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far·thin·gale | \ ˈfär-t͟hən-ˌgāl 
, -t͟hiŋ- \
, -t͟hiŋ- \Definition of farthingale
: a support (as of hoops) worn especially in the 16th century beneath a skirt to expand it at the hipline
Examples of farthingale in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web The photograph showcases Diana in traditional Elizabethan dress, including a full skirt with a farthingale underneath and a high starched collar, a more casual version of a ruff.
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Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, "A Discovery of Witches drops first season 2 photo, with Matthew Goode in a doublet," 5 Sep. 2019 Freed from the hassle of manipulating doublets and farthingales, the performers can move naturally and easily.
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James Jorden, New York Times, "Finally, a Well-Staged ‘Don Giovanni’ in New York," 11 Aug. 2017 The bright and complex costumes, with some characters in apparel like Elizabethan farthingales, are equally picturesque.
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Alastair Macaulay, New York Times, "Dance This Fall: Indian Mythology and Ballets by Women," 15 Sep. 2016
See MoreThese example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'farthingale.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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Time Traveler for farthingale
The first known use of farthingale was in 1552
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