gal·lus·es
(găl′ə-sĭz)pl.n.
Suspenders for trousers.
[Variant of gallowses, pl. of gallows.]
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
galluses
(ˈɡæləsɪz)pl n
(Clothing & Fashion) dialect braces for trousers
[C18: variant spelling of gallowses, from gallows (in the obsolete sense: braces)]
Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014
gal•lus•es
(ˈgæl ə sɪz)n.
(used with a pl. v.) a pair of suspenders for trousers.
[1825–35; variant of gallows]
gal′lused, adj.
Random House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.
galluses
- Another name for suspenders for trousers.See also related terms for trousers.
Farlex Trivia Dictionary. © 2012 Farlex, Inc. All rights reserved.
As an ardent language enthusiast with a comprehensive understanding of etymology and linguistic evolution, let's delve into the fascinating world of "galluses." My expertise in this realm extends beyond the mere knowledge of definitions; it encompasses the historical context, variant spellings, and the intricacies of how language evolves over time.
The term "galluses" refers to suspenders for trousers. Now, to establish my credentials, let's examine the evidence provided by authoritative dictionaries. The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition, published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company, confirms the definition and the variant spelling, attributing it to gallowses, the plural of gallows. This connection to the obsolete sense of braces adds depth to the understanding of the term.
Collins English Dictionary, in its 12th Edition, further solidifies the definition, citing the dialectical use of "galluses" as braces for trousers. The evolution of this term is highlighted through its variant spelling, offering a linguistic trail that showcases the fluidity of language.
Random House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary, a trusted source in lexical matters, underlines the roots of "galluses" as a variant of "gallows." This not only establishes a historical link but also showcases the semantic shift from gallows to suspenders for trousers.
To round out the evidentiary support, the Farlex Trivia Dictionary emphasizes the synonymy between "galluses" and suspenders for trousers. This reinforces the practical usage of the term and its recognition as another name for this specific article of clothing.
In summary, my expertise is rooted not only in a surface-level understanding of definitions but extends to the historical nuances, variant spellings, and the semantic evolution of the term "galluses." Now armed with this knowledge, we can confidently appreciate the rich tapestry of language that weaves through time, connecting the gallows of the past to the suspenders we use today.
