Farthingale n. A hoop skirt or hoop petticoat, or other light, elastic material, used to extend the petticoat. "We'll revel it as bravely as the best,... With ruffs and cuffs, and farthingales and things."
... there are men of superstitious tempers, who look upon the hoop-petticoat as a kind of prodigy. Some will have it that it portends the downfal of the French King, and observe that the farthingale appeared in England a little before the ruin of the Spanish monarchy. Others are of opinion that it fortels battle and bloodshed, and believe it of the same prognostication as the tail of ... — The Coverley Papers • Various
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