petticoat

[pet-ee-koht]

noun

1. Also called pettiskirt. an underskirt, especially one that is full and often trimmed and ruffled and of a decorative fabric.

2. any skirtlike part or covering.

3. a flounce or valance fitting around the sides of a bed, couch, or chair, as to conceal the legs.

4. Informal: Sometimes Offensive.,  a woman or girl (usually used facetiously).

adjective

1. Informal: Sometimes Offensive.,  of, relating to, or controlled by women; female; feminine.

   petticoat government.

petticoat

/ ˈpɛtɪˌkəʊt /

noun

1. a woman's light undergarment in the form of an underskirt or including a bodice supported by shoulder straps

2. informal

   1. a humorous or mildly disparaging name for a woman

   2. ( as modifier )

      petticoat politics

Sensitive Note

In reference to a female, this term is usually used for humorous effect, but is sometimes perceived as insulting or demeaning to women.

Other Word Forms

• petticoatless adjective
• underpetticoat noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of petticoat¹

First recorded in 1375–1425, petticoat is from the late Middle English word petycote. See petty, coat

Word History and Origins

Origin of petticoat¹

C15: see _petty , _coat

Example Sentences

She yells, stomps her feet and raises her hoop skirt and petticoat to scandalous heights.

From Salon

Cerezo dresses De la Huerta in a white petticoat and matching corset until she tosses off the top and demands total silence.

From Los Angeles Times

If untended, it has below the green top what some people call “petticoats” of dead leaves, but I think they look like those furry chaps that silent movie cowboys used to wear.

From Los Angeles Times

And cambric and lawn for new petticoats, long ones and short ones.

From Literature

Their bodies were their canvases, which they bedecked in feather boas, tutus, corsets, Victorian petticoats, Edwardian frock coats, wigs, wings, headdresses, ribbons, sequins, rhinestones, satin, face paint and an abundance of glitter.

From New York Times