pelisse

A pelisse is a historical outer garment worn as a long, usually fur-trimmed coat or cloak. In European fashion from the 17th to the early 19th century, it was typically worn over gowns for warmth and display and could be either fully cloaked or tailored with sleeves. Pelisses were commonly made of silk, satin, or wool and trimmed with fur, lace, or embroidery; some versions featured hoods or elaborate linings.

In women's dress, the pelisse functioned as a fashionable outer layer that varied in length from knee to floor and could be lined or faced with fur. The silhouette and cut evolved over time, with later versions tending toward more tailored forms that could be worn over formal or ceremonial attire. By the early 19th century, the term began to appear in various specialized styles and was sometimes associated with cape-like or mantle-like garments.

In military usage, the term pelisse referred to a short, fur-trimmed coat worn as part of full dress for some regiments, most notably the hussars. The pelisse in this context was often worn draped over the shoulder, displaying the uniform and decorative piping or braiding characteristic of the regiment.

Etymology traces the word to the French pelisse, meaning a fur-lined cloak. Today, the term is primarily of historical interest, though it occasionally appears in discussions of costume and vintage fashion. It is distinct from, yet related to, other outer garments such as cloaks, mantles, and modern fur-trimmed coats.