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

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

Presently to me comes Godby: "Lord, Mart'n!" said he, hitching fiercely at the broad belt of his galligaskins.

From Martin Conisby's Vengeance by Farnol, Jeffery

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

As Hercules, whose counterpart she was, changed his club for the distaff of Omphale, so would she put off the wimple and bodice of her sex for jerkin and galligaskins.

From A Book of Scoundrels by Whibley, Charles

The jerkin, the doublet, the galligaskins were put on to serve the practical purposes of life, not to attract the policeman or the spinster.

From A Book of Scoundrels by Whibley, Charles