silk-stocking

English

Alternative forms

• silk-stockinged

Etymology

Among men, silk stockings were formerly worn chiefly by the rich.

Adjective

silk-stocking (not comparable)

1. (archaic, derogatory) Elegantly dressed; aristocratic; luxurious.
   • June 11, 1812, Thomas Jefferson, letter to Elbridge Gerry

     [They] will find their levees crowded with silk-stocking gentry, but no yeomanry; an army of officers without soldiers.