shirt-sleeve
or shirt·sleeve, shirt-sleeved, shirt-sleeves
[shurt-sleev]
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adjective
not wearing a jacket; informally dressed: a shirt-sleeve mob.
warm enough to live or work in without wearing a jacket or coat: shirt-sleeve weather in November.
simple, plain, and informal; direct and straightforward in approach, manner, etc.: shirt-sleeve diplomacy.
Origin of shirt-sleeve
First recorded in 1560–70
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for shirt-sleeves
Historical Examples of shirt-sleeves
He had stripped off his coat and waistcoat, and was busily at work in his shirt-sleeves.
Little DaffydowndillyNathaniel Hawthorne
His white locks were uncovered, and he was in his shirt-sleeves.
The Village Watch-Tower(AKA Kate Douglas Riggs) Kate Douglas Wiggin
He was in his shirt-sleeves, his waistcoat unbuttoned and loose.
The Gentleman From IndianaBooth Tarkington
His shirt-sleeves were rolled up, too, and his brown arms were bare to the elbows.
A Tale of Two CitiesCharles Dickens
David came in his shirt-sleeves, for he had been fetched from his work.
Heather and SnowGeorge MacDonald
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper