petticoat government

English

Noun

petticoat government (countable and uncountable, plural petticoat governments)

1. (dated, derogatory) Government by women, whether in politics or domestic affairs.
   • 1837, L[etitia] E[lizabeth] L[andon], “Arrived at Home”, in Ethel Churchill: Or, The Two Brides. […], volume I, London: Henry Colburn, […], →OCLC, page 88:

     On my honour, Mrs. Courtenaye, you will make me an advocate for petticoat government, after such a specimen of its excellent influence. Still, my young friend, I am like the rest of the world—cannot leave well alone—must have you up to town.

Translations

government by women

• Finnish: akkavalta (fi)