Pickadills

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

  1. A type of decorative lace collar or trimming worn in the late 16th and early 17th centuries as fashionable neckwear ; an ornamental edging added to clothing for embellishment
  2. An elaborate border or frill, especially one that encircles the neck as a fashionable accessory in Elizabethan-era attire ; a form of fancy clothing decoration
  3. A ruffled or lace adornment for garments, notably at the neckline, popular during the Renaissance period ; an accessory or trim used for ornamental purposes on clothes

Etymology: The term "pickadills" refers to decorative frills or ruffles, often found on collars or cuffs in historical clothing. Its origins trace back to the late 16th and early 17th centuries, when elaborate fashion details became popular among European aristocracy. These frills were not merely ornamental but also a statement of social status, crafted from fine fabrics like lace or linen and meticulously gathered or pleated. The word itself likely derives from the Spanish "picadillo," meaning something small and pointed, which comes from "picar," to prick or puncture. This connection suggests the pointed or scalloped edges characteristic of these ruffles, which often featured small cutouts or scallops resembling tiny points. English speakers adapted the term, applying it to these distinctive decorative elements on garments. During the Elizabethan era, such embellishments gained prominence, and "pickadills" became a fashionable term for these frilled trims. They were commonly sewn onto collars called "ruffs," which stood out dramatically around the neck, framing the face with layers of delicate fabric. The precise craftsmanship involved in making pickadills made them luxury items, reflecting both wealth and taste. Over time, the term fell out of common use as fashion shifted away from ruffled collars and cuffs. However, it remains a useful historical reference in studies of costume and textile history, capturing a moment when clothing was as much about intricate detail as it was about function.

Synonyms: pickets, palisades, spikes, fences, pickets