KILT  , properly the

short loose skirt or petticoat, reaching to the knees and usually made of tartan, forming part of the dress of a Scottish Highlander (see COSTUME) . The word means that which is " girded or tucked up," and is apparently of Scandinavian origin, cf . Danish kilte, to tuck up . The early kilt was not a separate garment but was merely the lower part of the plaid, in which the Highlander wrapped himself, hanging down in folds below the belt .