/oyl"skin'/ , n.
1. a cotton fabric made waterproof by treatment with oil and used for rain gear and fishermen's clothing.
2. a piece of this.
3. Often, oilskins , a garment made of this, esp. a long, full-cut raincoat or a loose-fitting suit of pants and jacket as worn by sailors for protection against rain.
[ 1805-15; OIL + SKIN ]