A type of thick-soled platform shoe or clog worn in medieval and Renaissance times, often worn over regular shoes to protect them or raise the wearer's height.
From Spanish 'chapín,' possibly derived from Turkish 'çapık' (sandal). The shoes were particularly popular in Spain and Italy during the 15th-17th centuries and eventually influenced European fashion.
Medieval women wore chopines so high (sometimes 20 inches!) that they needed servants to help them walk—they were fashion statements worth money and status, kind of like luxury sneakers today!
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.