breechen

In order to prevent any accidents which might happen, by the iron pin of the carriage giving way, from so sudden a shock, a breechen is made fast, from the sliding carriage, to the head of the boat, and properly secured: the gun being fired, the elasticity of the breechen permits her to recoil about two inches, which certainly is a much less strain to the boat, and a safer method of using the gun; for, allowing the breechen to break, there is then the same principle of the iron pin to be depended upon, as at present.

Remember, when a horse is on its side the kicking-strap is useless, and the breechen nearly so, to prevent the swing of its hind legs; your aim is to get it away from the steps or wheel-plate of the trap, which, in its struggles, may cut its legs fearfully.