skirt
UK: skɜːt | US: skɜːrt
n. a garment hanging from the waist, worn chiefly by women and girls
n. the part of a dress or coat that hangs below the waist
v. to go along or around the edge of something
The word "skirt" originates from Old Norse skyrta, which referred to a shirt or tunic. Over time, the meaning shifted in English to specifically denote the lower part of a garment or a separate piece of clothing hanging from the waist. The semantic evolution reflects the garment's functional focus on covering the lower body, distinct from its original broader use.
She wore a long, flowing skirt to the party.
The skirt of his coat was stained with mud.
The hiking trail skirts the edge of the lake.
A wooden fence skirts the perimeter of the property.
Her skirt rustled as she walked down the hallway.