Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

farthingale

Noun

/ˈfɑːr.θɪŋɡeɪl/

Definition

A farthingale is a historical article of clothing worn by women, which consists of a support or framework worn under a skirt to give it a structured shape.

Examples

During the Elizabethan era, women often wore a farthingale to achieve a fashionable silhouette.
The farthingale was made from fabric and often reinforced with hoops or stays.

Meaning

The term ‘farthingale’ refers to a type of petticoat or structure that helps to expand and shape a woman’s dress, particularly during the 16th and 17th centuries.