galligaskins

[ gal-i-gas-kinz ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

, (used with a plural verb)

loose hose or breeches worn in the 16th and 17th centuries.
loose breeches in general.
leggings or gaiters, usually of leather.

galligaskins

/ ˌɡælɪˈɡæskɪnz /

plural noun

loose wide breeches or hose, esp as worn by men in the 17th century
leather leggings, as worn in the 19th century

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Word History and Origins

Origin of galligaskins¹

First recorded in 1570–80; earlier gallogascaine(s), galigascon(s), of obscure origin; perhaps alteration (with influence of galley and Gascon or -kin ) of obsolete French garguesque, greguesque, ultimately from Latin Graecus “Greek” ( Greek )

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Word History and Origins

Origin of galligaskins¹

C16: from obsolete French garguesques, from Italian grechesco Greek, from Latin Graecus

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Example Sentences

"Cow's-grass, doublet, and galligaskins," responded the Refectioner.

From Project Gutenberg

This 'ere old friend o' mine don't unnerstand ye wi' yer fustian an' yer galligaskins.

From Project Gutenberg

The assailants were indeed rascals of the same tarry, broad-breeched, stringfasted breed as Galligaskins of the cellar door.

From Project Gutenberg

"A green gown and a pair of leathern galligaskins every Pentecost," said the Kitchener.

From Project Gutenberg

He goes on to relate how he is besieged by duns, and what a chasm there is in his "galligaskins."

From Project Gutenberg

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