hosier: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal/Technical/Old-fashioned
Quick answer
What does “hosier” mean?
A person or business that sells stockings, socks, and other leg and foot garments.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person or business that sells stockings, socks, and other leg and foot garments.
Historically, a dealer in knitted or woven goods such as stockings and underwear; more broadly, a specialist retailer in legwear. The term can also refer to the profession itself or to a company specializing in hosiery.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More likely to be encountered in British English, often in historical contexts or as part of traditional shop names (e.g., 'Jones the Hosier'). In the US, the term is very rare and would be considered archaic; 'hosiery seller', 'sock shop', or simply the brand/company name is preferred.
Connotations
UK: Evokes tradition, heritage, and specialized retail. US: Primarily archaic, with little modern recognition outside of historical references.
Frequency
Extremely low in both, but slightly higher in UK due to historical preservation in shop names and literature.
Grammar
How to Use “hosier” in a Sentence
[Adjective/Name] + the hosierhosier + to + [Person/Institution]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hosier” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The company, founded in 1784, no longer hosi*ers* (does not function as verb).
American English
- The term cannot be used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
adjective
British English
- The hosier trade has largely vanished.
American English
- Hosier guilds were common in colonial cities.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Appears in the formal names of some traditional retail companies.
Academic
Used in historical studies of trade, guilds, and retail in the 18th-19th centuries.
Everyday
Virtually never used in modern conversation. Might be seen on an old shop sign.
Technical
Used in the history of textiles and clothing trades.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hosier”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hosier”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hosier”
- Spelling as 'hoser' (which is a different word).
- Using it as a synonym for a modern 'shoe salesman'.
- Assuming it's a common, active profession.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very rare and considered archaic. You might find it in historical texts, old shop names, or in the history of the textile industry.
A hosier specifically sold legwear (stockings, socks). A haberdasher sold small sewing items (thread, needles, buttons) and sometimes men's accessories like ties and gloves. In some contexts, the trades overlapped.
No, there is no standard verb form derived from 'hosier'. It is strictly a noun.
Yes, it can be part of a company name, especially for long-established British businesses (e.g., 'Bonds the Hosier').
A person or business that sells stockings, socks, and other leg and foot garments.
Hosier is usually formal/technical/old-fashioned in register.
Hosier: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhəʊ.zi.ə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhoʊ.ʒɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None common”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A HOzier sells HOse (archaic for stockings). The word ends in '-ier' like 'cashier' or 'furrier', which often indicates a person with a specific trade.
Conceptual Metaphor
Not applicable; a concrete, specific occupational term.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes a hosier's primary historical trade?