Glossy of Terms
Breeches ~ The
forerunner of modern pants. Breeches were worn by men and normally cut off just
below the knee.
Coat ~ We might call it a jacket
today, worn by men.
Source: Colonial Williamsburg website
Cravat ~ A cloth worn around the neck
by men, the forerunner of the necktie.
Source: Colonial Williamsburg website
Dutch Tea ~ Tea that was smuggled, often from Holland,
therefore avoiding taxes.
English Tea ~ Tea legally imported to American
Colonies via English Merchants.
Gaol ~ Prison.
Souce: Letters and from The Sarah's Journey Series which is set in colonial Williamsburg.
Gown ~
We might call it a dress. Gowns in that day often had shaped bodices attached
to a skirt with a wide opening to reveal the petticoat.
Source: Colonial Williamsburg website.
The Neck ~ the narrow strip of land that
connected Boston with the mainland.
Petticoat
~ A petticoat went
under a gown, but was still visible as gowns split in the front middle. They
were not considered an undergarment, but part of the costume. Akin to the
modern day skirt.
Source: Colonial Williamsburg website.
Petticoat
Government ~ A feminine, or nanny
government.
Source: Letter from John Adams to his wife Abigail
Redcoat/Lobsterback ~ Derogatory terms used to
refer to members of the British army.
Regular ~ A member of the British army.
Tory/Loyalist ~ A person loyal to the England
and the King.
Source: Letter of the time and The Siege of Boston.
Waistcoat ~ Much like the modern day vest,
worn by men.
Source: Colonial Williamsburg website
Source: Letters of the time, The Life and Times of Joseph Warren and The Siege of Boston .
Main Sources
The Massachusetts Historical Society website.
Samuel A. Forman's website on Dr. Warren.
E.J. Witek's website on Dr. Benjamin Church.
Elisabeth and Tabitha Allen, my British consultants
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