farthingale

American  

[fahr-thing-geyl] / ˈfɑr ðɪŋˌgeɪl /

noun

1. a hoop skirt or framework for expanding a woman's skirt, worn in the 16th and 17th centuries.

---

farthingale British  

/ ˈfɑːðɪŋˌɡeɪl /

noun

1. a hoop or framework worn under skirts, esp in the Elizabethan period, to shape and spread them

---

Etymology

Origin of farthingale

1545–55; earlier verdynggale < Middle French verdugale, alteration of Old Spanish verdugado, equivalent to verdug ( o ) tree-shoot, rod ( verd ( e ) green (< Latin viridis ) + -ugo noun suffix) + -ado -ade ¹; so called from rod used to extend skirt

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

farthingale

The BBC show said the "unique" sleeve support - known as a farthingale sleeve - had remained in an almost perfect condition along with the satin sleeve it originally supported.

From BBC ● Oct. 31, 2022

The farthingale sleeve is made from a thick cotton material called fustian, stitched with 14 casings of linen each containing a hoop of baleen, also known as whalebone.

From BBC ● Oct. 31, 2022

The Golden Compass, the 2007 film adaptation of the trilogy’s first book, could not, and was as burdened and immobilized by its special effects as a Spanish infanta in her brocade, farthingale, and jewels.

From Slate ● Nov. 1, 2019

Titania is first seen in a frothy farthingale.

From New York Times ● Mar. 20, 2016

Costume was anachronistic; Cleopatra was impersonated by a boy in stays and farthingale; and Cæsar, probably by Burbage, in a costume much like that worn by the Earl of Essex.

From The Facts About Shakespeare by Nielson, William Allan