Английский разговорный словарь (основной) - puff-ball

ˈpʌfbɔ:l noun Also written puffball (Lifestyle and Leisure) A short full skirt which is gathered in at the hemline to produce a soft puffy effect; a balloon skirt. (Usually attributive, in puff-ball dress or puff-ball skirt.) Etymology: So named because the resulting shape of the garment is like that of the puff-ball fungus. History and Usage: The puff-ball has been known to fashion designers under this name since the sixties; it enjoyed a brief fashion in 1986-8 after being promoted by a number of the top Paris designers, and this brought the word into the news. Christian Lacroix, the Paris designer, ...is credited with introducing the pouffe, otherwise known as the puffball, into the grandest parties. The Times 9 June 1987, p. 25 She has abandoned skintight leathers and puffball minis, platinum rinses and bootlace ties. Sunday Mail (Brisbane) 16 Oct. 1988, p. 17