bowyang

From Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Jump to navigation Jump to search

English

[edit]

Etymology

[edit]

From British dialect (Lincolnshire) bowy-yanks (leather leggings).

Pronunciation

[edit]

Noun

[edit]

bowyang (plural bowyangs)

  1. (Australia, New Zealand) A strap worn below the knee, especially by labourers, to keep the trousers up or to stop them stretching while bending.
    • 1985, Peter Carey, Illywhacker, Faber & Faber, published 2003, page 75:
      Jack McGrath [] travelled innocently beside his team in his faded red shirt, his moleskins, bowyangs, and heavy boots.

Alternative forms

[edit]