Drawers

/ˈdrɔːrz/ noun

Definition

Sliding compartments in furniture that can be pulled out for storage. Also, an archaic term for undergarments, particularly underpants.

Etymology

From Middle English 'drawer', from the verb 'draw' (to pull). The furniture sense emerged in the 16th century, while the undergarment meaning developed because these garments were 'drawn on' or pulled up the legs.

Kelly Says

The dual meaning of 'drawers' creates amusing confusion - furniture drawers and underwear drawers share the same linguistic root but occupy very different contexts. Victorian propriety led to many euphemisms for undergarments, and 'drawers' was considered more polite than direct terms.

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