Agreatcoat (alsowatchcoat) is a large, woollenovercoat 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, while theshort rain-cape at the shoulders protects from the wind and repels rain. In the 19th century, such a coat was part of a soldier'smilitary uniform, to be worn while on watch (guard duty), hence the termwatchcoat.[1]
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 thePetersham coat, named afterViscount Petersham.[2] In the fashion of theRegency era (1795–1837) a greatcoat might feature several short capes, usually designed, cut, andtailored to the specifications of fit andaesthetic taste of adandy.[3]
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