chaps

American

[chaps, shaps] / tʃæps, ʃæps /

noun

(used with a plural verb)

a pair of joined leather leggings, often widely flared, worn over trousers, especially by cowboys, as protection against burs, rope burns, etc., while on horseback.

chaps British

/ tʃæps, ʃæps /

plural noun

Also called: chaparejos. chaparajos. leather overalls without a seat, worn by cowboys

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of chaps

1810–20, short for chaparajos

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But while on a ride in Idyllwild, I found these assless chaps, and I don’t think I’ll ever sell these ones, because I think this is the one piece that actually comes full circle.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 12, 2024

Money talks: "Pinch your noses chaps, we’re going in. This is too good to refuse."

From BBC • Oct. 7, 2024

Nae time for chit-chat now chaps, yer live on BBC Scotland...

From BBC • Mar. 11, 2024

Even the core lingo comes from the Spanish language: lariat, corral, chaps.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 21, 2024

“Splendid falls these professional chaps do manage. Why, what’s the matter, Kay? You look as white as a sheet” “Do you remember that sword which the King of England would pull out?”

From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023