petticoat breeches

American  

plural noun

1. men's breeches, often ornate, having loose, skirtlike legs, worn in France and England from about 1650 to 1680.

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Etymology

Origin of petticoat breeches

First recorded in 1650–60

Example Sentences

Another peculiar feature of masculine costume towards the end of the 17th century consisted of petticoat breeches with drooping lace ruffles, such as adorn the nether limbs of Charles II.

From The Evolution of Fashion by Gardiner, Florence Mary

Above these dangled the legs of a pair of petticoat breeches, of coarse kersey, which strangely contrasted with the costly character of the boots.

From The White Gauntlet by Reid, Mayne

The men on shore will then pull the hawser taut, and by means of the whip line will haul off to the ship a sling life-buoy fitted with petticoat breeches.

From The Lifeboat by Ballantyne, R. M. (Robert Michael)

His legs, with petticoat breeches and cased in great leathern sea-boots pulled up to his knees, stood planted wide apart as though to brace against the slant of the deck.

From Stolen Treasure by Pyle, Howard

This worthy had doffed his tunic of Kendal green, and now figured in his proper costume—a jerkin of grey homespun russet, with wide petticoat breeches reaching to mid thigh.

From The White Gauntlet by Reid, Mayne