pantaloon

[Fr. pantalon =(1) a name given to the Venetians, (2) a pantaloon, (3) pantaloons; from Ital. pantalone =a pantaloon, a buffoon. The name Pantalon as applied to the Venetians, was derived from St. Pan tale one, the patron-saint of Venice; Gr. Pantaleōn =all-lion; from pant a =all, wholly, and leōn =a lion.] 1. A garment for males consisting of breeches and stockings all in one; it was loose in the upper part, and puffed. "The French we conquered once, Now give us laws for pantaloons , The length of breeches and the gathers." Butler: Hudibras, i. 3. 2. ( Pl . ) A pair of trousers; frequently abbreviated to pants (q. v.). 3. A character in Italian comedy; so called from the dre worn by him; a buffoon. 4. A character in pantomime, represented as a silly old man; the butt of the clown's jokes, and his abettor in all his mischief.