Note 11 — Chapter IX · ToC
Reading edition
The use of the petticoat as a seaman's article of attire dates back to the time of Chaucer:
"A Shipman was ther, woning fer by weste: For aught I woot, he was of Dertemouthe. He rood up-on a rouncy, as he couthe, In a gowne of falding to the knee."
"Falding" was a coarse cloth.