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.

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 called: spat. 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

Other Word Forms

• gaiterless 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

While ICE pays far more in California than in most other states, cash alone is less likely to induce many local cops to swap their dress blues for fatigues and a neck gaiter.

From Los Angeles Times

The men, wearing khakis, navy blue shirts and white gaiters concealing their faces, marched down Main Street toward the beach holding a picture of Kirk.

From Los Angeles Times

County took a first step Tuesday toward barring immigration officers from concealing their identities with neck gaiters and masks, though it’s far from clear they’ll be able to enforce the local ban on federal agents.

From Los Angeles Times

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