farthingale UK /ˈfɑːðɪŋɡeɪl/US /ˈfɑɹðɪŋɡeɪl/ noun1 •(historical) A hooped structure in cloth worn to extend the skirt of women's dresses; a hooped petticoat.In Henry VIII's Great Hall, there were men in doublets and codpieces prancing up and down with women in farthingales. — 2003 formsfarthingales