gaiter

Everyday

1. A cover made of cloth or leather worn over the ankle and lower leg, to keep out mud, snow or stones. tree →
2. (old) Leather leggings once worn by bishops, soldiers and gentlemen. tree →

In the lessons

Walkers and hikers wear gaiters to stop mud and snow getting into their boots. In old stories and pictures, country gentlemen and old soldiers wear leather gaiters buttoned up the side; in The Wind in the Willows, Toad's chauffeur-style motoring outfit includes boots and gaiters. A «neck gaiter» is a tube of cloth worn around the neck in winter.

Examples

• Put your gaiters on — the path is muddy. tree →
• The old gamekeeper wore leather gaiters. tree →
• Snow got into her boots because she forgot her gaiters. tree →
• I wear a neck gaiter when skiing. tree →
• The bishop in the old picture wore black gaiters. tree →
• Gaiters fasten with a strap under the boot. tree →
• He wore gaiters, stiff collars, and powdered hair, and by this he was recognized; and, indeed, he might be known by the word of command--"March! halt! front!" tree →

Note

Usually plural: a pair of gaiters. Similar: leggings, spats (short, over the shoe).