Quote Originally Posted by Troglodyte View Post
I have only recently come across the 'Laird's Plaid' term, knowing it only as a 'plaid'. Pipers', drimmers' and fly-plaids being recognised versions for specific reasons, but I have to wonder why specifically 'laird's plaid' for what here in Scotland is simply a plaid. I mean, a plaid is a plaid, and how it is worn is a matter of personal choice and really has nothing to do with status.
I've no idea where the terminology originated. I will admit to this being pure conjecture on my part, but I would think that this distinction is made specifically for the type of plaid seen in my photos above where both ends are fringed and the length is suited primarily for this purpose of wearing over the left shoulder as a decorative daywear item. Since other types of plaids have their own specific lengths, shapes, and edge/end decoration, and come with their own prefixes or modifiers before the word plaid, it seems like there ought to be a modifier for this specific style as well rather than just calling it a generic plaid. This would not be the type of plaid one hand-pleats and straps on as a great kilt, due to the fringing, so perhaps that's a necessary descriptor to differentiate it from the original simple plaid. *shrug*

I do prefer the term day plaid for this style rather than laird's plaid. I would assume that the laird's plaid nomenclature was applied as a romanticised term, possibly because it's a vestigial ornament that doesn't see much use by common kilt-wearers but still remains popular amongst chiefs and such. *shrug again*