Overtrousers

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Garments worn on top of regular trousers to protect them from dirt, wear, or weather
2. Clothing designed to be put over pants to shield them from damage or wet conditions
3. Outerwear trousers used as a protective layer above ordinary pants to keep them clean and dry

Etymology: Overtrousers are a plain compound: the prefix "over-" attached to "trousers," meaning a garment worn on top of the regular trousers. The formation follows the same pattern as "overcoat" or "overshoes," where "over-" signals a layer worn outside another garment. The compound is built from two ordinary English words, so the meaning of the whole is transparent from its parts. The "over-" element carries its usual sense of "above" or "on the outside," as in "overall," while "trousers" is the older word from which "trews" and "trousers" both descend. Its meaning has stayed close to its basis: a protective outer layer over the legs, usually waterproof or heavy-duty, pulled on for rain, mud, or rough work.

Synonyms: overshorts, protective pants, rain pants, cover trousers, outer trousers