Gansies

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A knitted garment typically worn over the upper body for warmth or fashion; a type of pullover or sweater usually made of wool or similar fibers; an article of clothing designed to cover the torso and arms providing insulation
2. An outerwear piece made by looping yarn into fabric to fit snugly on the upper body; a casual or formal knitwear top for daily wear; a warming apparel that extends to the waist or hips covering the arms and chest
3. A woolen or cotton knit used to retain body heat worn on the upper half of the body; a comfortable pull-on clothing item often associated with layering; garment of knit fabric designed for seasonal warmth and style

Etymology: "Gansies" is the plural of "gansey," a thick, hard-wearing knitted wool jumper, traditionally worn by fishermen along the coasts of northeast England and Scotland. The word is a northern English and Scots dialect form, and its ultimate source is "guernsey," the name of the Channel Island where such sweaters were associated. The spelling "gansey" reflects a regional pronunciation of that name, which is why the word is often linked to Guernsey itself. The garment is a close-fitting knit that covers the arms and chest and usually reaches the waist or hips. Fishermen wore them because the tight knit kept out wind and sea spray, and the heavy wool stayed warm even when damp. Traditional patterns, such as cable and diamond stitches, were sometimes said to identify a fisherman's home village, though this is more folklore than documented fact.