half hose

noun

1. short hose; socks.

Word History and Origins

Origin of half hose¹

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

From this machine all the circular automatic power machines for making plain and rib seamless hose and half hose have been developed.

From Project Gutenberg

From the wealthiest Baboo to the commonest fruit seller, half hose or full stockings are very commonly used.

From Project Gutenberg

I am somewhat slender of form, though not too slender, I take it, for my height, standing, as I do, five feet six inches in my half hose, and I trust I am free from the sin of personal vanity; but I confess that at the moment, contemplating my likeness in the mirror, I could have wished my knees had not been quite so prominently conspicuous, and that the projection of the thyroid cartilage of the larynx, called vulgarly Adam's apple, had been perhaps a trifle less obtrusive.

From Project Gutenberg

The stable lantern showed him thus gallantly mounted, against the purple and brown shadows of the background, his white linen frock clasped low by his red leather belt, his cherubic legs, with his short half hose and his red shoes, sticking stiffly out at an angle of forty-five degrees, his golden curls blowing high on his head, his face pink with joy and laughter.

From Project Gutenberg

Look!” and from various pockets he pulled pairs of half hose.

From Project Gutenberg