spattee

A hiker wears a pair of spattees over his boots.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A covering for the lower leg: "spattee" refers to a type of gaiter or leggings worn over the shoe and lower part of the leg, typically made of cloth or leather, often used as a protective or decorative item of clothing.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • He wore a pair of spattees while hiking through the muddy trails. (A protective covering for the lower leg.)
  • The historical reenactor's uniform included a white spattee over each boot. (A decorative or period-specific leg covering.)

Advanced Usage

• Historical context: Spattees were commonly worn in the 19th and early 20th centuries as part of military uniforms or formal attire, especially by soldiers, policemen, and gentlemen.

  • The vintage photograph showed a soldier in a uniform with a buttoned spattee. (A historical leg covering used for protection or style.)

• "to button up one's spattees": an older expression meaning to prepare for outdoor activity or travel.

  • He buttoned up his spattees before stepping out into the rain. (He fastened his leggings before going outside.)

Variants and Related Words

• Spats (n): a short gaiter covering the shoe and ankle, often synonymous with "spattee" but typically shorter.

  • He wore white spats with his formal shoes. (Short coverings for the shoes and ankles.)

• Gaiter (n): a similar leg covering, often extending higher up the leg than a spattee.

  • The hiker's gaiters kept snow out of his boots. (A protective leg covering.)

Synonyms

• Gaiter: a covering for the leg from the knee to the ankle.
• Legging: a protective or decorative covering for the leg.

Related Idioms