I. noun
also dicky ˈdikē, -ki
( plural dickeys also dickies )
Etymology: from the nickname Dicky, diminutive of Dick
1. : any of various articles of clothing: as
a. dialect England : petticoat
b. : a man's separate or detachable shirtfront usually worn under a jacket in place of a shirt and sometimes in addition to a shirt especially with clerical garments
c. chiefly New England : a detachable shirt collar
d. : a small fabric insert that is worn to fill in the neckline of a dress, jacket, or other garment and give the appearance of a blouse
2. : one of various animals:
a. dialect Britain : a male donkey : jack
b.
(1) also dickeybird or dickybird ˈ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ : a small bird (as a sparrow or a canary)
(2) dialect England : hedge sparrow
3. chiefly Britain
a. also dickey box : the seat for the driver at the front of a carriage
b. : a seat at the back of a carriage or automobile : rumble seat
4. : a supplementary device used in textile manufacturing ; especially : an additional roll used to keep the working rolls clear in textile manufacturing
II. adjective
or dicky “
Etymology: origin unknown
: of poor quality : being in bad condition : shaky , weak
a dickey leg
communications that are in a dickey state