wamus

American  

[waw-muhs, wom-uhs] / ˈwɔ məs, ˈwɒm əs /

noun

plural

wamuses

1. a heavy cardigan jacket, loosely knit and belted.

2. Also a durable, coarse, outer jacket.

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Etymology

Origin of wamus

1795–1805, < Dutch wammes (compare German Wams vest, undershirt), Middle Dutch wambuis < dialectal Old French wambois < Frankish *wamb- belly ( see womb) + French -ois -ese; see gambeson

Example Sentences

Your greeting reminds me of Dave Larkins's reply when criticised for wearing a wamus* in July.

From The Romance of the Colorado River The Story of its Discovery in 1840, with an Account of the Later Explorations, and with Special Reference to the Voyages of Powell through the Line of the Great Canyons by Dellenbaugh, Frederick Samuel

He was attired with a red flannel "wamus," a leathern belt girt around his waist, deer-skin leggins and moccasons, and a white felt hat that ran up to a peak.

From The Puddleford Papers, Or Humors of the West by Riley, H. H.

Throwing off his coat, and arraying himself in a red "wamus," and replacing his boots with heavy, close-fitting brogans, he was ready.

From Bart Ridgeley A Story of Northern Ohio by Riddle, A. G.

“He’s mighty slender, quick and purty—but so also be a rattlesnake!” he exclaimed, as another arrow slit the sleeve of his wamus as cleanly as if it were cut with a knife.

From The Black Wolf Pack by Beard, Daniel Carter

I saw him suddenly pull the cape of his wamus over his face, and reasoned that he also had been attacked by these invisible insects.

From The Black Wolf Pack by Beard, Daniel Carter