Definition

Noun: A long strip of cloth, typically made of wool or canvas, that is wound spirally around the leg from the ankle to the knee. It was used historically, especially by soldiers and hikers, to provide support and protection.

Usage

A "puttee" is a specific item of historical legwear. It functions as a singular noun (e.g., a puttee) and its plural form is "puttees." It is used to describe this particular object, often in historical or military contexts.

Examples

• The old photograph showed infantrymen wearing khaki uniforms and puttees.
• He carefully wound the woolen puttee around his calf before the hike.
• Many World War I uniforms included puttees as standard kit.

Advanced Usage

• "to wind one's puttees": This phrase describes the specific action of applying them.
  • The soldier took a moment to wind his puttees correctly.

Variants and Related Words

• Puttie: An alternative, less common spelling of "puttee."

Synonyms

• Legging
• Gaiters (Note: Gaiters are a related but often distinct item, typically covering just the lower leg and ankle, sometimes fastened with buttons or zips rather than being wound.)

Antonyms

• There is no direct antonym, as it is a specific object. Opposing concepts might be bare legs or modern trousers.

Related Phrases & Context

• Historical/Military Context: The word is almost exclusively used when discussing early 20th-century military history, vintage uniforms, or historical reenactments.
  • The museum's exhibit on the Great War featured authentic boots and puttees.

Noun

1. a strip of cloth wound around the leg to form legging; used by soldiers in World War I