noun
spats
spats
noun
1
Short cloth or leather coverings worn over the top of a shoe and ankle, historically for style or protection.
"The dapper old photograph showed him in a suit, cane, and spats."
2
Plural of spat: brief, petty quarrels.
"They've had a few spats over money, but nothing serious."
How to Use Spats
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither old-fashioned shoe-top coverings, or small arguments (as the plural of spat).
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The dapper old photograph showed him in a suit, cane, and _____.
Etymology
A shortened form of "spatterdashes," older protective leg coverings worn to keep mud and rain off the ankles.