Gaitered

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Wearing protective coverings for the lower legs and ankles, typically made of cloth or leather
2. Having cloth or leather coverings around the lower legs to protect or secure clothing
3. Dressed with leg coverings that wrap around the ankles and lower legs for protection or style

Etymology: "Gaitered" is simply the past participle or adjective form of "gaiter" with the "-ed" ending added, meaning fitted with or wearing gaiters. The base word is the one that carries the history: "gaiter" is a noun for a covering worn over the lower leg and ankle, often buttoned or laced, and it is the thing that gives the adjective its sense. The suffix "-ed" works the same way in many English words, turning a noun into a description of someone or something that has that noun. A "gaitered" walker, for instance, is one whose legs are covered in gaiters, and the word is most often used of boots, trousers, or clergy and hikers in outdoor or formal dress.