Petticoat

pet′i-kōt, n. a loose under-skirt worn by females and little boys: ( coll. ) a woman: a fisherman's loose canvas or oilcloth skirt: a bell-mouthed piece over the exhaust nozzles in the smoke-box of a locomotive, strengthening and equalising the draught through the boiler-tubes.— adj. feminine: female, as 'petticoat influence.'— n. Pett′icoat-affair′ , an affair in which a woman is concerned.— n.pl. Pett′icoat-breech′es , a loose short breeches worn by men in the 17th century.— adj. Pett′i coated .— Petticoat government , government by women, either at home or in the state. [ Petty + coat .]