necropants

English

A pair of necropants.

Etymology

From necro- +‎ pants, a calque of Icelandic nábrók.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈnɛkɹoʊˌpænts/
• Hyphenation: nec‧ro‧pants

Noun

necropants pl (plural only)

1. (historical) A pair of pants made from the skin of the lower half (below the waist) of a dead man, used by medieval Icelandic sorcerers to obtain money.
   • 2007, Iceland, →ISBN, page 192:

     Most of the occult practices they were accused of were simply old Viking traditions, though the necropants (see right) and grimoires (magic books) on display were proof enough for the local witch-hunters.

   • 2013, Kathy Benjamin, Funerals to Die For, →ISBN, page 208:

     […] make sure you wear your new necropants under your regular pants.

   • 2016, Atlas Obscura: An Explorer's Guide to the World's Hidden Wonders, →ISBN:

     These people do not know about the rich tradition of necropants, a wealth-attracting good-luck garment.