petticoat
[ pet-ee-koht ]
/ ˈpɛt iˌkoʊt /
noun
Also called pettiskirt.
an underskirt, especially one that is full and often trimmed and ruffled and of a decorative fabric.
any skirtlike part or covering.
a flounce or valance fitting around the sides of a bed, couch, or chair, as to conceal the legs.
Informal: Sometimes Offensive.
a woman or girl (usually used facetiously).
adjective
Informal: Sometimes Offensive.
of, relating to, or controlled by women; female; feminine: petticoat government.
Origin of petticoat
usage note for petticoat
In reference to a female, this term is usually used for humorous effect, but is sometimes perceived as insulting or demeaning to women.
OTHER WORDS FROM petticoat
pet·ti·coat·less, adjective un·der·pet·ti·coat, nounWords nearby petticoat
Example sentences from the Web for petticoat
British Dictionary definitions for petticoat
petticoat
/ (ˈpɛtɪˌkəʊt) /
noun
a woman's light undergarment in the form of an underskirt or including a bodice supported by shoulder straps
informal
- a humorous or mildly disparaging name for a woman
- (as modifier)petticoat politics
Word Origin for petticoat
C15: see
petty,
coat