chaps

[chaps, shaps]

noun

(used with a plural verb)

1. a pair of joined leather leggings, often widely flared, worn over trousers, especially by cowboys, as protection against burs, rope burns, etc., while on horseback.

chaps

/ tʃæps, ʃæps /

plural noun

1. Also called: chaparejos.  chaparajos. leather overalls without a seat, worn by cowboys

Word History and Origins

Origin of chaps¹

1810–20, short for chaparajos

Word History and Origins

Origin of chaps¹

C19: shortened from _chaparejos

Example Sentences

“Dominick Lopez!” the announcer cries, and out sprints a sheep carrying Dominick, his chaps flapping.

From Los Angeles Times

Gen. Harrison Gray Otis, the famously combative owner of the Los Angeles Times, published an editorial in 1882 warning: “Don’t feed the worthless chaps. It only encourages them in their idleness and viciousness.”

From Los Angeles Times

Despite it being near 90 degrees at the Monnaie De Paris, attendees showed up in fur stoles and leather chaps over jeans.

From Los Angeles Times

I saw all these men in jeans, most in boots, cowboy hats and some in leather chaps.

From Los Angeles Times

I saw all these men in jeans, most in boots and cowboy hats, and some in leather chaps.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• knickers 
• shorts 
• slacks 
• trousers 
• underpants