waterproof pants

English

Etymology

From waterproof +‎ pants.

Noun

waterproof pants pl (plural only)

1. Synonym of plastic pants (“an undergarment worn over a diaper/nappy (or underwear) to prevent leakage.”)
   • 1945, United States Children's Bureau, Infant Care‎, 8 edition, Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, page 16:

     Knit wool pants for this purpose are better than waterproof ones, as they permit more evaporation. If waterproof pants are worn they should not be so tight at the waist or knee as to leave marks on the baby's skin, and they should be made with air holes to allow for evaporation.

   • 1979, The Children's Hour, Grolier, →ISBN, page 84:

     Waterproof pants are helpful as the baby gets older, since they prevent wetting of outer clothes, nightgowns, etc.

   • 2004, Pierre Agache, Philippe Humbert, Measuring the Skin, Springer Science+Business Media, →ISBN, page 565:

     Waterproof pants are usually put on over the cloth diaper to reduce contamination of the environment as the diaper becomes soiled. In contrast, disposal diapers and disposable incontinent products are onetime use products made entirely or partially of paper products.

2. Pants that are waterproof, such as rainpants or snow pants.

Synonyms

(plastic pants):

• diaper cover (Canada and United States)
• diaper wrap (Canada and United States)
• nappy cover (UK and Commonwealth)
• nappy wrap (UK and Commonwealth)
• pilchers (Australia and New Zealand)