petticoat

American  

[pet-ee-koht] / ˈpɛt iˌkoʊt /

noun

1. Also called pettiskirt.  an underskirt, especially one that is full and often trimmed and ruffled and of a decorative fabric.

2. any skirtlike part or covering.

3. a flounce or valance fitting around the sides of a bed, couch, or chair, as to conceal the legs.

4. Informal: Sometimes Offensive. a woman or girl (usually used facetiously).

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adjective

1. Informal: Sometimes Offensive. of, relating to, or controlled by women; female; feminine.

   petticoat government.

petticoat British  

/ ˈpɛtɪˌkəʊt /

noun

1. a woman's light undergarment in the form of an underskirt or including a bodice supported by shoulder straps

2. informal

   1. a humorous or mildly disparaging name for a woman

   2. ( as modifier )

      petticoat politics

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Sensitive Note

In reference to a female, this term is usually used for humorous effect, but is sometimes perceived as insulting or demeaning to women.

Other Word Forms

• petticoatless adjective
• underpetticoat noun

Etymology

Origin of petticoat

First recorded in 1375–1425, petticoat is from the late Middle English word petycote. See petty, coat

Example Sentences

Meanwhile, Cassiopeia found a length of pink tulle in Madame LePoint’s trunk of fabric scraps, left over from a petticoat made for one of Lady Constance’s gowns.

From Literature

A section backstage is filled with racks of elaborate early 19th century gowns, jackets, trousers, corsets, petticoats, socks, shoes, hats, suits and more.

From Los Angeles Times

If untended, it has below the green top what some people call “petticoats” of dead leaves, but I think they look like those furry chaps that silent movie cowboys used to wear.

From Los Angeles Times

And cambric and lawn for new petticoats, long ones and short ones.

From Literature

Their bodies were their canvases, which they bedecked in feather boas, tutus, corsets, Victorian petticoats, Edwardian frock coats, wigs, wings, headdresses, ribbons, sequins, rhinestones, satin, face paint and an abundance of glitter.

From New York Times