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 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

Meanwhile textile historian Ninya Mikhaila, also known as The Tudor Tailor, said: "The first time I saw the farthingale sleeve, I couldn't believe what I was seeing and was literally speechless."

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

Ah! caitiff," said Grasp, "thou were't ever a devil to spy out a farthingale.

From William Shakespeare as he lived. An Historical Tale by Curling, Henry