A woman's undergarment worn beneath a skirt or dress, typically to give fullness or shape. Historically, a garment worn by both men and women as an outer or under layer.
From Middle French 'petit cote' meaning 'little coat'. Originally referred to a small coat worn by men, but by the 16th century had become primarily a woman's undergarment, reflecting changing fashion norms.
In the 16th and 17th centuries, petticoats were actually worn by men as fashionable outer garments—what we now consider exclusively feminine underwear was once masculine outerwear! The elaborate petticoats of the Victorian era could require multiple layers and hoops, making simple activities like sitting down a complex engineering challenge.
'Petticoat government' became a dismissive term for women exercising political or household authority (16th-19th centuries). The word shifted from neutral garment reference to coded language delegitimizing women's power.
Use 'petticoat' only in textile/fashion contexts for the garment. Avoid 'petticoat government' or similar gendered metaphors that trivialize women's leadership.
["women's leadership","female authority","women in power"]
Women wielding authority in any sphere—domestic or political—were mocked through gendered language; reclaiming the right to lead without dismissive epithets is essential.
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