galligaskins

[ gal-i-gas-kinz ]

/ ˌgæl ɪˈgæs kɪnz /

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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.

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Also gallygaskins.

Origin of galligaskins

1570–80; earlier gallogascaine(s), galigascon(s), of obscure origin; final element is perhaps Gascon (later assimilated to -kin)

Words nearby galligaskins

Gallice, Gallicism, Gallicize, Galli-Curci, Gallienus, galligaskins, gallimaufry, gallinacean, gallinaceous, Gallinas, Gallinas Point

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use galligaskins in a sentence

"Cow's-grass, doublet, and galligaskins," responded the Refectioner.
The Monastery|Sir Walter Scott
This 'ere old friend o' mine don't unnerstand ye wi' yer fustian an' yer galligaskins.
The Treasure of Heaven|Marie Corelli
The assailants were indeed rascals of the same tarry, broad-breeched, stringfasted breed as Galligaskins of the cellar door.
The Dew of Their Youth|S. R. Crockett
"A green gown and a pair of leathern galligaskins every Pentecost," said the Kitchener.
The Monastery|Sir Walter Scott

He goes on to relate how he is besieged by duns, and what a chasm there is in his "galligaskins."
History of English Humour, Vol. 2 (of 2)|Alfred Guy Kingan L'Estrange

British Dictionary definitions for galligaskins

galligaskins

gallygaskins

/ (ˌɡælɪˈɡæskɪnz) /

pl n

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

leather leggings, as worn in the 19th century

Word Origin for galligaskins

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

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