Petticoat
/ˈpɛt.i.kəʊt/noun
A woman's undergarment worn beneath a dress or skirt.
Did you know?The term 'petticoat' originally referred to a 'petty coat,' or a small coat, but it evolved to symbolize women's power and modesty in the 16th century.
Etymological Timeline
Middle English
English
peticote
“A small or lesser coat, often worn under garments.”
Old French
French
petit cote
“Little coat, indicating a smaller version of an outer garment.”
Latin
Latin
picta
“Painted or adorned, suggesting embellishments in clothing.”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*kōtō
“A garment or coat, foundational to clothing terminology in various Germanic languages.”
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*gʷeh₁r-
“To cover or conceal, emphasizing the protective nature of clothing.”