knee pants

plural noun

1. knee-length pants, especially those formerly worn by boys considered too young to wear full-length trousers (often used as a term symbolizing youth):

   I haven't felt this way since I was in knee pants.

Word History and Origins

Origin of knee pants¹

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

Over the headstone presently came the knee pants, the faded calico waist with bone buttons.

From Project Gutenberg

(p. 420) He did not, he later admitted, regard Roosevelt's corduroy knee-pants with favor.

From Project Gutenberg

It did so after considerable delay, and a pimply boy in knee pants showed me upstairs into the waiting-room.

From Project Gutenberg

Napoleon wore the uniform of a general officer, but with white knee pants and silk stockings.

From Project Gutenberg

A pair 88of knee pants, a conical grass hat, and a hemp shirt formed his entire apparel.

From Project Gutenberg