Dhoti
/ˈdoʊ.ti/noun
A traditional South Asian garment consisting of a long piece of cloth wrapped around the waist and legs.
Did you know?The word comes through Sanskrit dhautī, associated with washing or cleansing, reflecting the garment’s traditional use as a freshly laundered cloth wrapped around the body.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*dʰewh₂-
“To flow or wash; a reconstructed root associated with cleansing and movement of water.”
Ancient Sanskrit
Sanskrit
dhāvati
“Washes or cleanses.”
Ancient Sanskrit
Sanskrit
dhauta
“Washed or cleansed; the past participle of the washing root.”
Classical Sanskrit
Sanskrit
dhautī
“A washed cloth or cleansing garment.”
19th Century
Hindi
dhotī
“A traditional wrapped cloth worn around the lower body.”
Modern English
English
dhoti
“A South Asian garment made from a long cloth wrapped around the waist and legs.”