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.

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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

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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

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

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

It was still her habit to appear publicly in jerkin and galligaskins, to smoke tobacco in contempt of her sex, and to fight her enemies with a very fury of insolence.

From A Book of Scoundrels by Whibley, Charles

"A green gown and a pair of leathern galligaskins every Pentecost," said the Kitchener.

From The Monastery by Scott, Walter, Sir