bowyang

English

Etymology

From British dialect (Lincolnshire) bowy-yanks (“leather leggings”).

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈbəʊjaŋ/

Noun

bowyang (plural bowyangs)

1. (Australia, New Zealand) A strap worn below the knee, especially by labourers, to keep the trousers up or to stop them stretching while bending.
   • 1985, Peter Carey, Illywhacker, Faber & Faber, published 2003, page 75:

     Jack McGrath […] travelled innocently beside his team in his faded red shirt, his moleskins, bowyangs, and heavy boots.

Alternative forms

• boyang