Pet"ti*coat (?), n. Zool. [Petty + coat.]
A loose under-garment worn by women, and covering the body below the waist.
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.
© Webster 1913.