peacoat

American  

[pee-koht] / ˈpiˌkoʊt /

Or pea coat

noun

1. pea jacket.

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Etymology

Origin of peacoat

1780–90, pea ( see pea jacket) + coat

Explanation

A peacoat is a heavy wool, double-breasted jacket. Peacoats were originally worn by European and then American sailors, but now they're a fashion staple in the winter for both men and women. Peacoats were great for protecting sailors from the brutal cold they often encountered on the high seas. The peacoat's wide collar could be flipped up for wind protection, and the dual rows of buttons ensured that the coat stayed securely closed. Today, peacoats are an optional, not standard, part of a U.S. sailor's uniform, but they're still popular with anyone who wants to look stylish while staying warm. The name peacoat may have come from the Dutch pijjekker, "jacket of coarse woolen cloth," or from pilot cloth, also called P-cloth, a waterproof material used in the U.S. Navy.

Example Sentences

In her first run of this "You've Got Mail" tour with real guests, she's dressed in a red peacoat with a dozen red roses in her tote bag.

From Salon • Dec. 25, 2023

Long-term fans of the show have become accustomed to DI Perez's famous peacoat.

From BBC • Jun. 15, 2023

One look had a denim knee-length skirt paired with a navy wool peacoat with a shearling collar.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 14, 2023

Anna wore a black peacoat over a matching black dress.

From Fox News • Dec. 9, 2021

Dad in a black peacoat and bright red scarf, guiding me down the halls of the Museum of Modern Art.

From "Warcross" by Marie Lu