Petticoat \Pet"ti*coat\, n. (Zool.) [Petty + coat.]
A loose under-garment worn by women, and covering the body
below the waist.
[1913 Webster]
{Petticoat government}, government by women, whether in
politics or domestic affairs. [Colloq.]
{Petticoat pipe} (Locomotives), a short, flaring pipe
surrounding the blast nozzle in the smoke box, to equalize
the draft.
[1913 Webster]