Breeches

Breeches

is the uniform rendering in the Auth. Vers. solely of the Heb. מַכְנְסִיַם , Miknesa'Yim, Two Drawers (from כָּנִס , to Wrap Up), Sept. Περισκελῆ (so  Sirach 45:8) or Περισκελές , Vulg. Feminalia, made of linen, and worn by the Jewish priests to hide the parts of shame while ministering at the altar ( Exodus 28:42;  Exodus 39:28;  Leviticus 6:10;  Leviticus 16:4;  Ezekiel 44:18). The description of Josephus ( Ὡσπερεί Ἀναξυρίδες , Ant. 3: 7, 1) agrees with this, making this article (which he Graecizes Μαναχασή ) of sacerdotal dress to be an under-garment for the loins and thighs only. See Braun, De Vestitu Sacerd. Eebr. lib. ii, ch. i, p. 345 sq. (See Priest); (See Attire).