gaiter

[ gey-ter ]

noun

1. a covering of cloth or leather for the ankle and instep and sometimes also the lower leg, worn over the shoe or boot. Compare upper ¹( def 7 ).
2. a cloth or leather shoe with elastic insertions at the sides.
3. an overshoe with a fabric top.

gaiter

/ ˈɡeɪtə /

noun

1. a cloth or leather covering for the leg or ankle buttoned on one side and usually strapped under the foot
2. Also calledspat a similar covering extending from the ankle to the instep
3. a waterproof covering for the ankle worn by climbers and walkers to prevent snow, mud, or gravel entering over the top of the boot

Derived Forms

• ˈgaiterless, adjective

Other Words From

• gaiter·less adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gaiter¹

1765–75; < French guêtre, Middle French guiestre, guestre, perhaps < Frankish *wrist, cognate with German Rist ankle, wrist. See wrist

Word History and Origins

Origin of gaiter¹

C18: from French guêtre, probably of Germanic origin and related to wrist

Example Sentences

He is seen with his armed son, who hastily pulls a neck gaiter over his face, looking around wide-eyed.

From Seattle Times

A neck gaiter protected his face from bugs.

From Los Angeles Times

After six months on the job, Cullen knew it was inevitable that the sand would creep into his socks despite the canvas gaiters covering his pant legs and shoes.

From Literature

At the time, court papers say, Mr. Pelham was wearing a pair of goggles, a neck gaiter and a baseball hat emblazoned with a logo associated with the Proud Boys, a far-right group.

From New York Times

Additional items include gloves, a hat, neck gaiter and sunglasses.

From Seattle Times