I. ˈped.]ē]ˌkōt, ˈpet], ]ə̇], usu -ōd.+V\ noun
Etymology: Middle English petycote, literally, small coat, from pety small + cote coat — more at petty
1. : a skirt worn by women, girls, or young children: as
a. : an outer skirt usually constituting part of a dress formerly worn by women and small children
b. : a fancy skirt made to show below a draped-up overskirt
c. : a skirt on its own waistband that is usually a little shorter than outer clothing, is often made with a ruffled, pleated, or lace edge, and is worn by women and girls as underwear
d. archaic : the skirt of a woman's riding habit
2.
a. : a garment characteristic or typical of women — often used in the phrase in petticoats
b. : woman
a little nervous lest petticoats in a government office might demoralize the male staff — Langston Day
3. : the skirt of a garment worn by men or boys: as
a. : kilt
b. : fustanella
4.
a. : the space outside the white ring of an archery target
b. : a hit in such a space
5. : something resembling a petticoat: as
a. : a gathered or pleated skirt of cloth concealing the lower part of a table, bed, or chair
b. : the flaring base of a lamp or tankard
c. : a sheeting hung about a yacht before launching to hide its outline
d.
(1) : any of the sleeves or cups forming part of a petticoat insulator
(2) : petticoat insulator
e. : petticoat pipe
II. adjective
: of, relating to, or exercised by women : female
petticoat rule
petticoat government
petticoat influence