chaps

chaps · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    (British informal) Plural of chap; men or fellows.

  2. 2.

    Leather leg coverings worn over trousers by cowboys and ranchers for protection while riding.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    assless chaps — chaps without a seat (all chaps are technically "assless" by design)

Related words

See also: chap, cowboy, fellow
Synonyms: blokes, fellows, guys, men

Etymology

As plural of chap (fellow): from chapman ("merchant"). As leather garment: shortened from Mexican Spanish chaparreras, from chaparro ("dwarf evergreen oak"), referring to the brush the garment protects against.