Chiefly pl. Also 8–9 pl. leggins. [f. LEG sb. + -ING1 (but cf. -ING3).] In pl. A pair of extra outer coverings (usually of leather or cloth), used as a protection for the legs in bad weather, and commonly reaching from the ankle to the knee, but sometimes higher.
1763. in F. B. Hough, Siege Detroit (1860), 200. The Men to be clothed, but in a light Manner; a cloth Jacket, flannel Waistcoat, Leggins, &c. will be sufficient.
1809. A. Henry, Trav., 156. A pair of leggings, or pantaloons, of scarlet cloth, which … cost me fifteen pounds of beaver.
1821. Clare, Vill. Minstr., II. 26. With leather leggings on, that stopt the snow.
1839–40. W. Irving, Wolfert’s R. (1855), 203. A hunting-shirt of dressed deer-skin … and leggins of the same, fringed from hip to heel.
1869. E. A. Parkes, Pract. Hygiene (ed. 3), 415. Long leggings reaching over the knees, and made of half-tanned leather.
Hence Legginged a., having leggings.
1837, 1852. [see leather-legginged in LEATHER sb. 5 d].
1891. Miss Dowie, Girl in Karp., 39. My yellow legginged feet.
