I. ˈpe-tē-ˌkōt noun
Etymology: Middle English petycote short tunic, petticoat, from pety small + cote coat
Date: 15th century
1. : a skirt worn by women, girls, or young children: as
a. : an outer skirt formerly worn by women and small children
b. : a fancy skirt made to show below a draped-up overskirt
c. : an underskirt usually a little shorter than outer clothing and often made with a ruffled, pleated, or lace edge
d. archaic : the skirt of a woman's riding habit
2.
a. : a garment characteristic or typical of women
b. : woman
3. : something (as a valance) resembling a petticoat
• pet·ti·coat·ed -ˌkō-təd adjective
II. adjective
Date: 1660
: of, relating to, or exercised by women : female