skivvy
1or sciv·vy
[ skiv-ee ]
/ ˈskɪv i /
noun, plural skiv·vies. Informal.
Also called skivvy shirt. a man's cotton T-shirt.
skivvies, underwear consisting of cotton T-shirt and shorts.
a thin sweater with a round neck, usually worn over a blouse, turtleneck, or the like.
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Nearby words
skittish, skittle, skittle out, skive, skiver, skivvy, skiwear, sklent, skoal, skobelev, skodaic resonance
Origin of skivvy
1First recorded in 1925–30; origin uncertain
Definition for skivvy (2 of 2)
skivvy
2[ skiv-ee ]
/ ˈskɪv i /
noun, plural skiv·vies.
a female servant, especially a chambermaid.
verb (used without object), skiv·vied, skiv·vy·ing.
to work as a skivvy.
Origin of skivvy
2First recorded in 1910–15; origin uncertain
Usage note
This term is used with disparaging intent, implying the low rank of such a servant.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for skivvy
British Dictionary definitions for skivvy (1 of 2)
skivvy
1/ (ˈskɪvɪ) /
noun plural -vies
mainly British often derogatory a servant, esp a female, who does menial work of all kinds; drudge
verb -vies, -vying or -vied
(intr) British to work as a skivvy
Word Origin for skivvy
C20: of unknown origin
British Dictionary definitions for skivvy (2 of 2)
skivvy
2/ (ˈskɪvɪ) /
noun plural -vies
slang, mainly US a man's T-shirt or vest
(plural) slang, mainly US men's underwear
Australian and NZ a garment resembling a sweater with long sleeves and a polo neck, usually made of stretch cotton or cotton and polyester and worn by either sex
Word Origin for skivvy
of unknown origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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