A traditional Indian garment for men consisting of a rectangular piece of unstitched cloth wrapped around the waist and legs. It is typically white or cream colored and considered formal or ceremonial wear.
From Hindi धोती (dhotī) derived from Sanskrit धौत (dhauta) meaning 'washed' or 'cleansed', referring to the white, clean cloth traditionally used. The term entered English in the 19th century through British administrative and anthropological writings about Indian customs.
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