galligaskins

American  

[gal-i-gas-kinz] / ˌgæl ɪˈgæs kɪnz /

noun

(used with a plural verb)

1. loose hose or breeches worn in the 16th and 17th centuries.

2. loose breeches in general.

3. leggings or gaiters, usually of leather.

---

galligaskins British  

/ ˌɡælɪˈɡæskɪnz /

plural noun

1. loose wide breeches or hose, esp as worn by men in the 17th century

2. leather leggings, as worn in the 19th century

---

Etymology

Origin of galligaskins

First recorded in 1570–80; earlier gallogascaine(s), galigascon(s), of obscure origin; perhaps alteration (with influence of galley and Gascon or -kin ) of obsolete French garguesque, greguesque, ultimately from Latin Graecus “Greek” ( see Greek)

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

galligaskins

"Call you," said Dudley, "the accidental shaping of a ruff, or the manner of disposing of the folds of my galligaskins, an imitation of a prelatical model?"

From The Knight of the Golden Melice A Historical Romance by Adams, John Turvill

He was a rough, powerful peasant, with cap and tunic of untanned sheepskin, leather breeches, and galligaskins round legs and feet.

From The White Company by Doyle, Arthur Conan, Sir

He wore a rich and beautiful doublet, trimmed with sable, white galligaskins, and slashed shoes; on his head was a satin barret cap with a red feather.

From The Serapion Brethren. Vol. II by Hoffmann, Ernst Theordor Wilhelm

This 'ere old friend o' mine don't unnerstand ye wi' yer fustian an' yer galligaskins.

From The Treasure of Heaven A Romance of Riches by Corelli, Marie

He goes on to relate how he is besieged by duns, and what a chasm there is in his "galligaskins."

From History of English Humour, Vol. 2 by L'Estrange, Alfred Guy Kingan