E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Wants,
meaning “gloves.” According to the best Dutch authorities, the word is a corruption of the French gant, Italian quanto, our “gauntlets.”
1
“Wanten are worn by peasants and working people when the weather is cold. They are in shape somewhat like boxing-gloves, having only a thumb and no fingers. They are made of a coarse woollen stuff.”—Teding von Berkhout: Letter from Breda.
