Definition of "bloomer"

What's more, I claim that Elmer's biggest mistake wasn't the one he made at Cedarville before six thousand witnesses. His prize bloomer was pulled in Hoboken before three witnesses

1916 March 11, Charles E. Van Loan, “His Folks”, in Saturday Evening Post‎

"You know," pursued Reggie seriously, "I think you are making the bloomer of a lifetime over this hat-swatting chappie. You've misjudged him. He's a first-rate sort. […]

1919, P. G. Wodehouse, A Damsel in Distress

In 1933, four years before his death, Rutherford said, firmly and explicitly, that he didn't believe the energy of the nucleus would ever be released—nine years later, at Chicago, the first pile began to run. That was the only major bloomer in scientific judgment Rutherford ever made.

1959, Charles Percy Snow, The Two Cultures‎

After 12 successive league wins […] Charlton were nobbled by the First Division's no-hopers, who profited from a goalkeeping bloomer then held on to their lead for dear life.

2000 March 12, Stuart Barnes, “Swindon stunner for Curbishley”, in The Guardian‎

Few garments are so absolutely unbecoming as a belted tunic that reaches to the knees, a fact which I wish some of our Rosalinds would consider when they don doublet and hose; indeed, to the disregard of this artistic principle is due the ugliness, the want of proportion, in the Bloomer costume, a costume which in other respects is sensible.

1884 November 11, Oscar Wilde, “More Radical Ideas Upon Dress Reform”, in Pall Mall Gazette‎

Unlike other women landing from the steamers, she was neither short-skirted nor bloomer-clad. She was dressed as any woman travelling anywhere would be dressed.

1912 October, Jack London, “The Taste of the Meat”, in Smoke Bellew, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co

It would have to be smuggled back to Josie’s bloomer drawer. He could persuade her to confirm his other ideas without letting her see that he had read her particularly private correspondence.

1946, Margot Bennett, Away Went the Little Fish, Garden City, N.Y.: The Crime Club, published 1947, page 211

“[…] But if the money’s not in your safe, where is it?” Even though they were entirely alone in the massive home, Audrey Adair leaned over and whispered. “In my bloomer drawer, dear. No man would ever look there. […]”

2000, Stephen Bly, Janet Bly, Judith and the Judge (The Carson City Chronicles; 1), Waterville, Me.: Thorndike Press, published 2003, page 304

She shrugged helplessly. But I knew why. Ellen still wore baggy, bloomer-type panties decorated with eyelet. The undies were comfortable, but not stylish. Not acceptable. Not like everyone else’s, and she didn’t want them in plain view.

2001, Susan S. Kelly, Even Now, Warner Books, Inc.

Bura[sic – meaning Buru]-sera (“bloomer seller”) stores sell schoolgirls’ worn underpants (for around 5,000 to 8,000 yen per pair). Buru-sera shops […] have operated since the early 1990s, […]

2006, Melissa Hope Ditmore, editor, Encyclopedia of Prostitution and Sex Work, Greenwood Publishing Group, page 484

She always kept herself together --nails did, hair done, and always wore a "true lady's" attire. You wouldn't find a thong anywhere in here[sic – meaning her] "bloomer" drawer.

2010, G. D. Freightman, Ripped & Ready (Season One), Lulu.com, page 36

That was until one day while washing Roc’s clothes, I found some wack ass cheap bloomer panties. Knowing they were hers and that he still hadn’t let her go, I realized it was the last straw.

2013, Ramos Winter, Game Over: My Love for Hip Hop, Life Changing Books

She pulled a pair of bloomer panties with white lace around the hems. “Hold on to me.” She didn’t let Jade dress herself. Jade reached for Nanny Marie’s shoulders and gripped her dark gray dress, lifting one leg and then the other as her nanny shuffled the panties up to her waist. They were far too puffy and big for her liking. The lace poked out just slightly from under the dress Jade wore, giving a hint of her panties while making her look child-like.

2020, Allison West, Jailed Little Jade, Blushing Books