Definition

Noun: 1. A short, heavy coat made of thick woolen material, typically featuring a plaid pattern: A "mackinaw coat" is a type of outerwear originally designed for cold weather. It is characterized by its durable, thick wool fabric, its relatively short length (usually ending at the hip or thigh), and its frequent use of a plaid or checkered design.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • He wore a sturdy mackinaw coat to stay warm while chopping wood in the winter.
  • The classic red and black plaid of the mackinaw coat is an iconic outdoor look.
  • Before modern synthetic jackets, trappers and loggers relied on the warmth of a mackinaw coat.

Advanced Usage

• The term "mackinaw" by itself can sometimes refer to the coat, the thick woolen fabric it is made from, or a blanket made of the same material. The full term "mackinaw coat" specifies the garment.
• Historically, these coats were associated with workers in the northern United States and Canada, particularly in the Great Lakes region (named after the Straits of Mackinac).

Variants and Related Words

• Mackinaw (noun): Can refer to the coat itself, the heavy woolen fabric, or a blanket.
  • He wrapped himself in a mackinaw. (This could mean a coat or a blanket, depending on context.)
• Mackinaw jacket: A very similar term, sometimes used interchangeably with "mackinaw coat," though "jacket" may imply a slightly shorter cut.

Synonyms

• Logger's coat: Emphasizes its association with forestry work.
• Plaid wool coat: A descriptive synonym highlighting its common pattern and material.
• Winter short coat: A general descriptive term.

Notes on Meaning

• The "mackinaw coat" is defined by its material (thick wool), its style (short, sturdy), and its traditional pattern (plaid). It is a specific type of coat, not a general term for any short winter coat.

Noun

1. a short plaid coat made of made of thick woolen material