trousers

Etymology

Attested since the 1610s, from the earlier form trouzes (attested since the 1580s), extended from trouse (1570s), with plural ending typical of things in pairs, from Middle Irish triubhas (“close-fitting shorts”), of uncertain origin. The unexplained intrusive second -r- is perhaps due to the influence of drawers.

noun

  1. An article of clothing that covers the part of the body between the waist and the ankles or knees, and is divided into a separate part for each leg.
    The trousers need to be shortened.
    Why can women wear trousers when men can’t wear skirts?

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