trunk hose

noun

, (used with a plural verb)

1. full, baglike breeches covering the body from the waist to the middle of the thigh or lower, sometimes having the stockings attached in one piece, worn by men in the 16th and 17th centuries.

trunk hose

noun

1. a man's puffed-out breeches reaching to the thighs and worn with tights in the 16th century

Word History and Origins

Origin of trunk hose¹

First recorded in 1615–25

Word History and Origins

Origin of trunk hose¹

C17: of uncertain origin; perhaps from the obsolete trunk to truncate

Example Sentences

The headwaiter, clad in the long waistcoat and full trunk-hose of the late Seventeenth Century, bowed punctiliously.

From Project Gutenberg

He also wears full trunk hose reaching to the knees, tight stockings, and a small, flat cap with feathers.

From Project Gutenberg

Trunk hose were stuffed with wool, rags or bran, and were made very large.

From Project Gutenberg

The doublet had a long waist, and both it and the trunk hose were heavily slashed.

From Project Gutenberg

They had put on foresters' clothes of green cloth, with long tunics and green trunk hose.

From Project Gutenberg