Where does “breechcloth” come from?

breechcloth (English) comes from English cloth, from Middle English cloþ, from Old English clāþ, from Proto-Germanic klaiþą, from Proto-Indo-European gleyt-, from Proto-Indo-European gley-, from Proto-Indo-European gel- — to be cold, to freeze.

breechcloth (English): An apron-like garment held on by a belt tied...

Definitions

  1. An apron-like garment held on by a belt tied...

Ancestry of “breechcloth”, step by step

breechcloth traces back through two separate lines of ancestry.

via English cloth

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1EnglishclothA woven fabric such as used in dressing,...
2Middle EnglishcloþAlternative form of cloth; cloth, garment
3Old Englishclāþcloth, clothes, covering, sail
4Proto-Germanicklaiþącloth
5Proto-Indo-Europeangleyt-to cling to, cleave, stick
6Proto-Indo-Europeangley-to glue, paste, stick together; to glue, stick...
7Proto-Indo-Europeangel-to be cold, to freeze

via English breech

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1EnglishbreechA garment whose purpose is to cover or clothe the...
2Middle EnglishbrecheAlternative form of birche
3Old Englishbryċefracture, breach; breach; breaking
4Proto-West Germanicbrukibreak
5Proto-Germanicbrūkizuseful, useable
6Proto-Indo-EuropeanbʰruHg-to make use of; have enjoyment of
Every word from Proto-Indo-European gel-Every word from Proto-Indo-European gley-Every word from Proto-Indo-European gleyt-