haynselyns

Middle English

Alternative forms

• hainselins

Noun

haynselyns

1. hanselines
   • late 14th century, Geoffrey Chaucer, The Parson's Tale, The Canterbury Tales, section 27, line 422:

     Upon that other syde, to speken of the horrible disordinat scantnesse of clothing, as been thise cutted sloppes or hainselins, that thurgh hir shortnesse ne covere nat the shameful membres of man, to wikked entente.

     Upon that other side, to speak of the horrible excessive scantiness of clothing, as are these coats cut short, or short jackets, that through their shortness do not cover the shameful members of man, to wicked intent.