galosh

Etymology

From Middle English galoche, from Old French galoche (“shoe with a wooden sole”), but further uncertain; three main theories exist:

• From Vulgar Latin *galopium, from Ancient Greek καλοπόδιον (kalopódion), diminutive of καλόπους (kalópous, “shoemaker's block”), compound of κᾶλον (kâlon, “wood”) and πούς (poús, “foot”). More at holt and foot.^[1]
• From Late Latin gallicula, diminutive of gallica (solea) (“Gallic (sandal)”).^[2]
• From Old French galette (“flat round cake”), from galet (“pebble”).^[3]

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ɡəˈlɒʃ/

Noun

galosh (plural galoshes)

1. (Britain) A waterproof overshoe used to provide protection from rain or snow.
2. (US) A waterproof rubber boot, intended to be worn in wet or muddy conditions.