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trousers

The origin and history of trousers.

Etymology

Recorded from the early 1600s, evolving from an earlier word "trouse," which traces back through French and Old Irish to a Germanic word for leg-coverings — ultimately built from roots meaning "thigh" and "breeches."

Origin: French · First attested 1600

Class of 1600

trousers first entered the language around 1600. Other words from the same year:

See the full Class of 1600 →
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Etymology: FreeDict original editorial.