Bible Dictionary
SKIRT
A skirt may mean the edge, corner, hem, or loose hanging part of a garment. In some passages it refers to the lower portion of clothing, while in others the context indicates a collar or opening.
Definition
A skirt may mean the edge, corner, extremity, hem, or loose hanging portion of a garment. In some passages the context indicates a collar or opening rather than the lower edge of clothing.
Biblical Usage
The term describes the extremity or hem of garments and may be used euphemistically. In the passage concerning the oil of Aaron’s garment, the relevant opening is understood as the collar.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>skurt:</p><p>(1) kanaph, "wing" "extremity" (Ru 3:9, etc.), is the usual word. But in 1Sa 24:4 ff perhaps "corner" is the best translation.</p><p>(2) shul, "loose hanging" (Ex 28:33, etc.; in the King James Version often rendered "hem").</p><p>(3) peh, "mouth," "opening" (Ps 133:2, "the precious oil .... that came down upon the skirt"). But the "opening" is that for is that for the head, so that the Revised Version margin "collar" is the correct translation.</p><p>"Skirt" is frequently used in a euphemistic sense, for which the commentaries must be consulted.</p><p>See DRESS; TRAIN.</p>