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.

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farthingale British  

/ ˈfɑːðɪŋˌɡeɪl /

noun

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

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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

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

Freed from the hassle of manipulating doublets and farthingales, the performers can move naturally and easily.

From New York Times

The bright and complex costumes, with some characters in apparel like Elizabethan farthingales, are equally picturesque.

From New York Times

Titania is first seen in a frothy farthingale.

From New York Times

So we have the underskirts, overskirts, stockings, bodice, farthingale, corset, wig, gloves, fan, jewelry.

From New York Times