hobble skirt

noun

1. a woman's skirt that is very narrow at the bottom, causing the wearer to walk with short, mincing steps.

hobble skirt

noun

1. a long skirt, popular between 1910 and 1914, cut so narrow at the ankles that it hindered walking

Word History and Origins

Origin of hobble skirt¹

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

But while this was very much a return to form, it’s an old form — a definition of power that relies on hobble skirts, chopped and changed le smokings, and the boardroom/bedroom trope.

From New York Times

Its heyday was in the early years of the last century when its founder, Paul Poiret, was credited with freeing women from the corset, while also inventing the hobble skirt.

From Washington Post

Poiret is credited with the revolutionary development of draping in a departure from traditional tailoring and pattern-making, and is closely associated with the conception of the hobble skirt and harem pants.

From Seattle Times

But where Mr. Armani went awry was in the many tight hobble skirts, which trapped the models’ legs and prevented a free stride.

From New York Times

A lot of high fashion should come with a health and safety warning anyway – from hobble skirts to the aforementioned skinny jeans.

From The Guardian