pantaloon

American  

[pan-tl-oon] / ˌpæn tlˈun /

noun

1. pantaloons, a man's close-fitting garment for the hips and legs, worn especially in the 19th century, but varying in form from period to period; trousers.

2. (usually initial capital letter) Also Pantalone (in commedia dell'arte) a foolish old Venetian merchant, usually the head of a household, generally lascivious and frequently deceived in the course of lovers' intrigues.

3. (in the modern pantomime) a foolish, vicious old man, the butt and accomplice of the clown.

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pantaloon British  

/ ˌpæntəˈluːn /

noun

1. (in pantomime) an absurd old man, the butt of the clown's tricks

2. (usually capital) (in commedia dell'arte) a lecherous old merchant dressed in pantaloons

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Etymology

Origin of pantaloon

1580–90; < Middle French Pantalon < Upper Italian ( Venetian ) Pantalone nickname for a Venetian, variant of Pantaleone, name of a 4th-century saint once a favorite of the Venetians

Example Sentences

By the early 19th century, pantaloons emerged as a practical part of any outfit for men and women because they kept outer wear clean by absorbing dirt and sweat.

From National Geographic

A sleepover includes a fashion show where the “overburdened pre-teens wear four layers of petticoats and pantaloons.”

From Los Angeles Times

She fixed the problem by adding full-length pantaloons.

From New York Times

Around the turn of the next century, an Australian actress named Annette Kellerman toured the U.S., donning a one-piece bathing suit instead of traditional pantaloons and performing inside a glass tank.

From Los Angeles Times

Bloomers, sometimes called Turkish trousers or pantaloons, were revolutionary back then, an alternative to uncomfortable full skirts.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• clown
• jokester