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n. 1. a. A heavy cloth or leather covering for the leg extending from the instep to the ankle or knee. b. A similar covering of moisture-resistant fabric, used by skiers and hikers. 2. An ankle-high shoe with elastic sides. 3. An overshoe with a cloth top. 4. A tubular collar fitting closely around the neck, often worn by skiers. [French guêtre, from Old French guietre, of Germanic origin; see wer-2 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.]  (click for a larger image) gaiter |
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