Hessian (boot)

Hessian (boot)

Hessian (from Hesse in Germany) refers to a style of boot that became popular in the 18th century. Initially used as standard issue footwear for the military, especially officers, it would become widely worn by civilians as well. The boots had a low heel, and a semi-pointed toe that made them practical for mounted troops as they allowed easy use of stirrups. They reached to the knee and had a decorative tassel at the top of each shaft.The Hessian boot would evolve into the rubber work boots known as "wellies" and the cowboy boot.

When describing the appearance of Marley's Ghost in A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens mentions the tassels on his boots, indicating that they were Hessian style.

In the Gilbert and Sullivan operetta "Patience", Colonel Calverley sings a song about the military uniform, how impressive it looks, and the effect it has on women. The song specifically mentions Hessian boots:

:When I first put this uniform on,::I said, as I looked in the glass,:::"It's one to a million:::That any civilian::My figure and form will surpass.:::Gold lace has a charm for the fair,:::And I've plenty of that, and to spare,::::While a lover's professions,::::When uttered in Hessians,:::Are eloquent everywhere!"::::A fact that I counted upon,::::When I first put this uniform on!


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Look at other dictionaries:

  • Hessian boot — noun (19th century) a man s high tasseled boot • Syn: ↑hessian, ↑jackboot, ↑Wellington, ↑Wellington boot • Hypernyms: ↑boot …   Useful english dictionary

  • Hessian boot — Hes′sian boot′ n. clo a knee high tasseled boot, fashionable in England in the early 19th century • Etymology: 1800–10 …   From formal English to slang

  • Hessian boot — noun Date: 1809 a high boot that extends to just below the knee and is commonly ornamented with a tassel and that was introduced into England by the Hessians early in the 19th century …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • Hessian boot — noun a high tasselled leather boot, originally worn by troops from Hesse in Germany …   English new terms dictionary

  • Hessian — The term Hessian refers to the inhabitants of the German state of Hesse.Hessian may also mean: * Hessian (soldiers), soldiers from German states with in the Holy Roman Empire who fought in the American Revolutionary War and other conflicts *… …   Wikipedia

  • hessian — n. & adj. n. 1 a strong coarse sacking made of hemp or jute. 2 (Hessian) a native of Hesse in Germany. adj. (Hessian) of or concerning Hesse. Phrases and idioms: Hessian boot a tasselled high boot first worn by Hessian troops. Hessian fly a midge …   Useful english dictionary

  • Hessian —   a. pertaining to Hesse; n. mercenary soldier.    ♦ Hessian boot, high tasselled boot.    ♦ Hessian fly, fly with larva harmful to wheat.    ♦ hessian, n. kind of coarse sacking …   Dictionary of difficult words

  • Boot — A boot is a type of shoe that covers at least the foot and the ankle and sometimes extends up to the knee or even the hip. Most have a heel that is clearly distinguishable from the rest of the sole, even if the two are made of one piece.… …   Wikipedia

  • boot — I (New American Roget s College Thesaurus) n. footwear, shoe; Hessian boot; blucher, hip or jack boot; seven league boot; brogan, buskin, chukka. See clothing. v. t., slang, kick out, dismiss, give the boot. See ejection. to boot II (Roget s IV)… …   English dictionary for students

  • Hessian — Hes sian, a. Of or relating to Hesse, in Germany, or to the Hessians. [1913 Webster] {Hessian boots}, or {Hessians}, boot of a kind worn in England, in the early part of the nineteenth century, tasseled in front. Thackeray. {Hessian cloth}, or… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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