jerkin

American  

[jur-kin] / ˈdʒɜr kɪn /

noun

1. a close-fitting jacket or short coat, usually sleeveless, as one of leather worn in the 16th and 17th centuries.

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jerkin British  

/ ˈdʒɜːkɪn /

noun

1. a sleeveless and collarless short jacket worn by men or women

2. a man's sleeveless and collarless fitted jacket, often made of leather, worn in the 16th and 17th centuries

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Etymology

Origin of jerkin

First recorded in 1510–20; origin uncertain

Explanation

The short-sleeved leather jacket that men commonly wore during the 16th and 17th centuries was called a jerkin. If you're dressing up for a Renaissance Faire, you might want to wear a jerkin, along with your doublet and tights. Jerkins, snug-fitting, light-colored leather jackets, were often decorated by being cut in slashes or punched with holes. Portraits of Renaissance era men often show them in a doublet, a padded shirt or jacket, topped by a jerkin. In the 20th century, the jerkin made a comeback in the British military during both the first and second World Wars, though it was lined with wool to provide extra warmth to soldiers.

Example Sentences

The jerkin was repopularized in the 21st century by Louis CK.

From Washington Post • Dec. 7, 2017

In “Joan of Arc,” Lampert goes through more costume changes than Lady Gaga at the Super Bowl: a leather motorcycle jacket, a skintight chain-mail shirt, a shiny armored jerkin.

From The New Yorker • Mar. 13, 2017

He was wearing a leather jerkin and a longbow was found nearby.

From BBC • May 30, 2013

When I pull it on it hangs on my back like a shroud, or a poisoned jerkin from Grimm seeping its curse onto my skin, the worst tattoo.

From The Guardian • Jul. 9, 2010

He bitterly regretted not copying Hord and taking off his jerkin.

From "Wolf Brother" by Michelle Paver