greyersn.
/ˈɡreɪəz/, U.S. /ˈɡreɪərz/ Originally and chiefly Harrow School slang.
Grey flannel trousers. Cf. grey n. 4c.
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the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > clothing for legs > clothing for legs and lower body > [noun] > trousers > types of > made from specific material
shiverines1663
nankeen1770
overall1782
corduroys1791
ducks1825
webs1825
kerseys1833
moleskin1836
cord1837
kerseymeres1840
blue jeans1842
grey1860
mole trousers1860
chaparreras1861
Bedford cord1862
velveteens1862
dungarees1872
moles1879
chaps1884
chaparejos1887
oiler1889
greyers1900
flannels1911
Levi's1926
denim1932
chino1943
wrangler1947
Bedfords1954
sweats1956
sweatpants1957
1900 J. S. Farmer Public School Word-bk. 102 Greyers, (Harrow) Grey flannel trousers.
1922 Daily Mail 22 June 13/5 With the popularity of ‘greyers’ or grey flannel trousers, the jacket does double service.
1988 F. Tomlin T. S. Eliot iv. 93 I glanced aside until he had pulled on a pair of greyers.
2008 Sunday Times (Nexis) 6 July (Features section) 42 All pupils must keep their shoes polished and their Harrow hats..in good condition. Their trousers are ‘greyers’; their blazers are ‘bluers’.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2013; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.1900