This section is from the "A Complete Dictionary of Dry Goods" book, by George S. Cole. Also available from Amazon: A complete dictionary of dry goods and history of silk, cotton, linen, wool and other fibrous substances,: Including a full explanation of the modern processes ... together with various useful tables.
Pantaloons. A term derived from Pantalone, a ridiculous character in Italian comedy, and a buffoon in pantomine, who first wore "breeches" and "stockings" that were all of one piece. This character took his name from Pantaleon, the patron saint of Venice, and hence is a personal name very frequent among the Italians, and sometimes applied to each other as a nickname. The fashion of wearing pantaloons came into general popularity with the French Revolution when puffed breeches and tights, lace and gewgaws subsided and made way for the comparatively simple dress which characterized that period. Although pantaloons at this time only came to the middle of the calf of the leg, where they were met by half top-boots, they soon afterward extended in length to rest upon the foot. [See Hose, Trousers]
 
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