galligaskins

[gal-i-gas-kinz]

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

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of galligaskins¹

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” ( Greek )

Word History and Origins

Origin of galligaskins¹

C16: from obsolete French garguesques, from Italian grechesco Greek, from Latin Graecus

Example Sentences

Kris Russell’s shot from the left point hit Hudler and Dallas defenseman Alex Galligaskins and trickled past goalie Kari Lehtonen.

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Galligaskins, gal-i-gas′kinz, n.pl. large open hose or trousers: leggings worn by sportsmen.

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"There is none quite empty," announced the Schnorrer, "but in this one there are only a few trifles—a pair of galligaskins and such like—so that if you make me a present of them the box will be empty, so far as you are concerned."

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Hogg seemed as well pleased as if he had found a 'poss,' and rummaged his galligaskins for a hideous bit of scrawl, that he had several times brought forth from its dark den, during our journey, when any thing particularly inspiring had urged its momentary liberation.

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I will get such an accumulation of stupendous recollections that as I walk through the suburbs of London I may not see them—I will stand upon Mount Blanc and remember this coming Summer when I intend to straddle Ben Lomond—with my soul!—galligaskins are out of the Question.

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