Question for our time(s)

[James Crouchet]

On Thu, 23 Nov 1995 Ysoulde at aol.com wrote:

> To Aodhan.....
> Our small as in child.......where does small refer to undergarments?
> 
> Ysoulde

Small was a term in use from the 16th(perhaps earlier, but I haven't seen
the source) thru 19th century for any small articles of clothing, most
notably knee pants, gloves and scarves but also including hankerchiefs,
smaller undergarments and stockings or socks. Note that this did not
include hats, shoes, boots or spurs. I don't know about belts. Small was
short for the term Small Clothes. You can probably find this definition in
your nearest dictionary if you will but look. 

Contrary to popular SCA belief, however, the term HAS also used for very
young children. Apparently short for Small Fry (which surprised me). I
don't have this definition in my Webster's Grossly Abridged, but somebody
on Usenet found the reference in an OED or something. Maybe Dirmuit can
help here? 

I saw a rather extended discussion on this out on the Rialto a few months 
back, complete with sources sited, etc. People got quite angry before 
somebody looked it up.

Savian