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

Explanation

A petticoat is an old-fashioned piece of clothing that was commonly worn underneath a skirt at various periods in history. The last time petticoats were popular was in the 1950s and 60s. Petticoat has had a variety of meanings over the years. In North America, it's an undergarment worn at the waist beneath a long skirt, but in other countries it's also been used to mean any skirt or a visible layer over an existing skirt. During the mid-19th century, petticoats were used to give a huge amount of bulk and shape to the skirt. As the word implies, the original petticoats were actual coats worn under a knight's armor.

Example Sentences

In 1968, Dodie Wells, the agony aunt for Petticoat magazine explained:

From Salon • Jun. 11, 2022

Gilliland appeared in several high-profile television shows including "Criminal Minds," "Desperate Housewives," "Dexter," "Party of Five," "St. Elsewhere," "Operation Petticoat" and "The Love Boat."

From Fox News • Mar. 25, 2021

Away from the track, he could be found in the capital's markets such as East Street and Petticoat Lane, selling lucky mascots and even medicines that claimed to cure anything from flat feet to baldness.

From BBC • Oct. 30, 2020

Other shows made there included “Burns and Allen,” "Petticoat Junction," "Green Acres," "The Beverly Hillbillies," "The Lone Ranger," "Perry Mason," "Mr. Ed," "The Addams Family" and "Get Smart."

From Los Angeles Times • May 2, 2017

How comes it that Mr. Gladstone in rags and singing ballads would be only fit for a police-station? that Lord Salisbury hawking cocoa-nuts would instantly suggest the purlieus of Petticoat Lane? 

From Views and Reviews Essays in appreciation by Henley, William Ernest