What does puttee mean?
A puttee is a long strip of cloth wound around the lower leg, usually from the ankle to below the knee. It was traditionally part of military uniform, where it protected the leg and provided support during long marches, while also giving soldiers’ uniforms a characteristic appearance. Puttees remain associated with historical warfare and are sometimes worn by walkers, golfers, cyclists, and skiers for warmth and support. The term can refer both to the cloth strip itself and, especially in British usage, to the completed leg covering. Although modern footwear and purpose-designed gaiters have largely replaced them, puttees remain familiar from military history and from descriptions of traditional uniforms. The word is pronounced with the main stress on the final syllable and is rarely used in contemporary general conversation except when discussing historical clothing or outdoor traditions.
nounA puttee is a long strip of cloth wound around the lower leg, traditionally worn by soldiers as a form of leg protection. Puttees are also worn by hikers, golfers, and others for support or warmth.
- A long strip of cloth wound around the lower leg, especially as military equipment or for outdoor activities.
"He tightened the puttees around his calves before setting off on the march."
"The soldiers adjusted their puttees before the morning parade."
"She wore puttees on the trail to keep her lower legs warm and supported."
The usual plural is “puttees,” referring to two separate leg coverings or to a pair of them.
"He rolled up his puttees and placed them beside his boots."
Before modern hiking boots, soldiers wound puttees around their legs to protect them from rough terrain and injury.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of puttee
The word entered English through French, from Hindi पट्टी (paṭṭī), meaning a bandage or strip of cloth. The military sense developed from the use of such cloth strips to protect soldiers’ lower legs. The Hindi word also underlies related transliterated forms such as patti, pattee, and patty, which reflect the same source term.
Related word forms
How puttee is actually used
Puttee is chiefly associated with military dress and is now more common in descriptions of historical uniforms, hiking, skiing, and other outdoor pursuits. In British English, it may be used more broadly for a covering worn around the leg.