Why do people call pants britches?

Answer 1

The word "britches"is actually derived from the word "breech" or "breeches". It is of Dutch origin. "Breeches" were actually a knee-length pant. The name transferred to the style of men's loose-fitting trousers, gathered at the knee because of illustrations of similar knee-breeches in Irving's book. From the Times of London, 23 May 1859: The suggestion...is that volunteers should not wear trowsers, but I would recommend as a substitute what are commonly known as nickerbockers [sic], i.e. long loose breeches generally worn without braces, and buckled or buttoned round the waist and knee. Along with being called "britches" they were known as "knickers", from which the New York Knicks, or as they were once known as the "New York Knickerbockers", got there name. It was due to the loose fitting, knee length shorts they wore as their uniforms. In America, the term "britches" generally means any style of pants, but in England, where they are known as "knickers", generally refer to women's undergarments.