farthingale

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun a hoop worn beneath a skirt to extend it horizontally; worn by European women in the 16th and 17th centuries

Hobson-Jobson of earlier forms vardingale, etc., borrowed from Middle French verdugale, from Spanish verdugado, from verdugo (“rod”).

There's Queen Elizabeth now--I can manage her skirt, but I want something for her farthingale. — The Jolliest School of All, Angela Brazil
"FAIR MISTRESS DOROTHY" _The scene is an apartment in the mansion of Sir Thomas Farthingale. — Happy Days, A. A. (Alan Alexander) Milne
She was quaintly dressed in a ruff and farthingale, and a velvet hood covered her snow-white hair. — The Red Fairy Book, Unknown

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