culotte
UK[kjuːˈlɒt]US[kuːˈlɑːt]
n
A divided skirt or a pair of trousers that are cut wide to resemble a skirt, typically worn by women.
n
(plural) Women's knee-length trousers, cut full to resemble a skirt; also called culottes.
Morpheme Breakdown
culot
te
culot
base
te
suffix
Etymology
The word 'culotte' entered English directly from French in the 18th century. Its origin lies in the French word 'cul', meaning 'buttocks', which itself descends from the Latin 'culus' with the same meaning. The suffix '-otte' is a French diminutive, originally forming nouns. Thus, the literal construction refers to a small garment for the lower body. Historically, 'culottes' referred to knee-breeches worn by men, a garment covering the lower torso and thighs. The modern meaning, referring to women's divided skirts or wide-legged trousers, evolved in the 20th century, retaining the core concept of a bifurcated lower-body garment while shifting its association to women's fashion.
Analysis
Structure: culot (base) + te (suffix)
culot (from French 'cul', meaning 'buttocks, bottom', of Latin origin 'culus') + te (a French diminutive or feminine suffix).
Examples
She wore a stylish pair of linen culottes to the summer garden party.
The uniform for the equestrian event required beige culottes.
These wide-leg culottes offer the elegance of a skirt with the practicality of trousers.