A greatcoat (also watchcoat) is a large, woollen overcoat designed for warmth and protection against wind and weather, and features a collar that can be turned up and cuffs that can be turned down to protect the face and the hands, whilst the short rain-cape at the shoulders protects from the wind and repels rain. In the 19th century, such a coat was part of a soldier's military uniform, to be worn whilst on watch (guard duty), hence the term watchcoat.[1]

The greatcoat: Rear and front perspectives of the uniform greatcoat for an officer of the Light Infantry of the Grande Armée commanded by Napoléon.
1st Grenadiers of the Old Guard wearing their great coats

The drape of the greatcoat reached to below the knee of the wearer, the short cape drapes to the elbow, and the capacious external pockets allow the wearer to carry dry food and other items; an example is the Petersham coat, named after Viscount Petersham.[2] In the fashion of the Regency era (1795–1837) a greatcoat might feature several short capes, usually designed, cut, and tailored to the specifications of fit and aesthetic taste of a dandy.[3]

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References

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  1. ^ Shindler, Colin (2018-11-29). "Thieves Who Became Heroes". The Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved 2021-12-12.
  2. ^ "The Free Dictionary". Retrieved 16 May 2013.
  3. ^ French Gentleman’s Greatcoat, Regency World