1/4/2009:
On this date in 1890, the Bismarck Daily Tribune reported on a national fashion debate concerning what to call the garment that covered men's legs. Some argued for the traditional term "trousers," which they said came from the French word trousse: a bundle or a bunching about the hips.
Some felt it was a British affectation to use the word trousers. Others said trousers was actually just an alternative word for breeches, which covered only the hips and thighs.
Those in favor of a new and different term claimed modern men's garments more closely resembled pantaloons and pantalets, leg coverings that reached from the waist to the tops of one's shoes. Those arguing for this alternative used a shortened term for pantaloons, which the article endorsed by suggesting: "Let us accept pants as a good democratic term, since there is no way to get rid of it."
By Merry Helm
Source: Bismarck Daily Tribune. Jan 4, 1890: 1.