pettiloon

English

Etymology

Blend of petticoat +‎ pantaloon

Noun

pettiloon (plural pettiloons)

1. (historical) An early form of trouser for women, loose-fitting and often gathered at the ankle; the trouser portion of a bloomer costume.
   • 1852 December, Edward Sullivan, “Sullivan's Rambles in North and South America”, in Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, volume 35, number 446, page 680:

     Whereabouts dwelt the Amazons, the true assertors of the Rights of Woman, who spurned even the gentle bondage of the pettiloon?

   • 1954, Viltis - Volumes 13-17, page 22:

     Barbara Edler of Omaha, Neb. is a "Pettiloon" specialist. That's a combination of old fashioned petticoat and pantaloons, chic things for square and folk, prettily trimmed with eyelet laces and ribbons, etc.

   • 1986, Fanny Fern, Joyce W. Warren, Ruth Hall and Other Writings:

     Lastly, he approves of "Bloomers" and "pettiloons," for he says women will do as they like — he should as soon think of driving the nails into his own coffin, as trying to stop them — "cosy?" — it's unpossible! ' Olive Branch June 28, 1851

   • 2001, Gayle V. Fischer, Pantaloons & Power: A Nineteenth-century Dress Reform in the United States:

     She suggested a number of ways women might make the pettiloons visually interesting and attractive. For example, women could follow the "Turkish model" with gathering at the ankle, or allowing for excess fullness and letting the pettiloons "sag" at the ankle.

   • 2017, Don Chapman, Wearing the Trousers:

     Here were to be seen, 'in a cart drawn by a donkey, a huge costermonger in caricature costume and a bloomer by his side with cheeks of a high rosy hue and... pink pettiloons of dimensions which put to flight all representations as to the economy of these substitutes for ordinary female costume'.