Cardigans

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A type of sweater that is open at the front and usually fastened with buttons or a clasp
2. A knitted garment typically worn over a shirt, featuring a front opening and often sleeves
3. An article of clothing made from wool or similar material, designed to provide warmth while allowing for easy layering

Etymology: The garment takes its name from James Brudenell, 7th Earl of Cardigan (1797–1868), a British military commander. The Earl is best remembered for leading the Charge of the Light Brigade at the Battle of Balaclava during the Crimean War, a disastrous cavalry attack that became one of the most famous blunders in British military history. The link between the Earl and a knitted jacket is commonly traced to the Crimean War, when troops wore knitted woollen waistcoats against the cold. The sleeveless and then sleeved versions that followed were named after him, and the name stuck to the garment he is said to have popularised among officers. This word is the plural of "cardigan," so it simply refers to more than one of these jackets.

Synonyms: sweaters