placket

American  

[plak-it] / ˈplæk ɪt /

noun

1. the opening or slit at the top of a skirt, or in a dress or blouse, that facilitates putting it on and taking it off.

2. a pocket, especially one in a woman's skirt.

3. Archaic.

   1. a petticoat.

   2. a woman.

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placket British  

/ ˈplækɪt /

noun

1. a piece of cloth sewn in under a closure with buttons, hooks and eyes, zips, etc

2. the closure itself

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Etymology

Origin of placket

1595–1605; variant of placard breastplate < Old French, derivative of plaquier to plate < Middle Dutch placken to patch; cf. plaque

Example Sentences

When Jay-Z inflicted the going-out shirt upon us, what set his button-ups apart from their forbidden cousins — the tank top, the jersey and the T-shirt — was the placket.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 12, 2023

The men's tour tech polo features a cool camo-inspired pattern and an upscale three-button placket with a ribbed collar.

From Golf Digest • Feb. 8, 2019

A contrast stripe of red along the asymmetrical button placket of a black shirt created the effect of a regimental sash draped diagonally across the chest.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 24, 2011

There are high-tech Web sites like ShirtsMyWay, at which you can design a dress shirt right down to the style and color of the collar, cuffs and placket.

From New York Times • Feb. 4, 2010

The nail of her forefinger split and the balls of her thumbs ached as she struggled with the placket.

From "Song of Solomon" by Toni Morrison