Gramashes

/ɡrəˈmæʃɪz/ noun

Definition

Protective coverings worn over shoes or lower legs, typically made of cloth or leather, common in historical fashion.

Etymology

From French 'gremache,' possibly derived from Dutch 'krapmachelijn.' The term evolved through Middle English and early Modern English to describe these leg coverings, with the plural form becoming standard.

Kelly Says

During the 16th-18th centuries, gramashes were so common that they appear in countless portraits—basically the mud boots of the Renaissance! They protected expensive clothing on unpaved streets where horses, waste, and mud were everywhere.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.