patent leather

[ pat-nt, pat-nor, especially British, peyt-nt ]

noun

1. a hard, glossy, smooth leather, used especially in shoes and accessories.

patent leather

noun

1. leather or imitation leather processed with lacquer to give a hard glossy surface

Word History and Origins

Origin of patent leather¹

An Americanism dating back to 1820–30

Example Sentences

Models wore black knee-socks with patent leather Mary Janes and thick neckties.

From The Daily Beast

His patent-leather mini-skirts, which stand away from the body, are like perfectly molded little bells.

From The Daily Beast

The Atelier Versace collection emphasized the deconstruction and reassembly of garments using patent-leather strips.

From The Daily Beast

Elsewhere, there are preppy neon slippers, floral kitten heels, and S&M-y patent leather wedges.

From The Daily Beast

She was wearing a simple Dior fitted dress that was accessorized with a pair of black patent leather pumps.

From The Daily Beast

The young fellow with the “patent leather” hair still lingered by the table where Jessie and Amy had sat.

From Project Gutenberg

Another swift survey of the slight figure disclosed a pair of patent-leather pumps.

From Project Gutenberg

He had again mounted his cork legs, and encased his cork feet with splendid-fitting patent leather boots, and Mole felt happy.

From Project Gutenberg

His clothes were not badly rumpled; his patent-leather boots were scarcely scratched.

From Project Gutenberg

As he did so, the grappling hook caught hold of Dot's belt of patent leather that fastened her heavy coat about the waist.

From Project Gutenberg