English

Noun

pilch ‎(plural pilches)

1. (obsolete) A gown or case of skin, or one trimmed or lined with fur.
2. (archaic) a covering put over an infant's diaper to prevent outer clothes from getting wet
   • 1884, Sophia Jex- Blake, The Care of Infants: A Manual for Mothers and Nurses, Macmillan (1884), page 6:

     It used to be the fashion to put a second thick covering or "pilch" over the napkin to keep the outer clothes from wet; but this is by no means healthy, as it over-heats this part of the body, and is often a mere excuse for neglecting the frequent changes that should be made, so that the skin is apt to become sodden, and subsequently sore, from damp heat.