Greatcoat

Uncommon card · No. 194108

A greatcoat (also watchcoat) is a large, woollen overcoat designed for warmth and for protection against wind and weather. It features a collar that can be turned up and cuffs that can be turned down to protect the face and the hands, while the short rain-cape at the shoulders protects from wind and repels rain. In the 19th century, such a coat was part of a soldier's military uniform, to be worn while on watch (guard duty), hence the term watchcoat. The drape of the greatcoat reaches to below the knee of the wearer, the short cape drapes reach to the elbow, and the capacious external pockets allow the wearer to carry dry food and other items; for example in the Petersham coat, named after Viscount Petersham. In the fashion of the Regency era (1795–1837) a greatcoat might feature several short capes, usually designed, cut, and tailored to the specifications of fit and to the aesthetic taste of a dandy. Russian and Soviet armed forces used various greatcoats (Russian: шинели; singular:...

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