Crossword Genius

Checked garments for Scottish soldiers (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

trews

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'checked garments' is the definition.
'trews' can be an answer for 'garments' (I have seen 'nether garments' mean 'trews' so perhaps 'garments' could also mean 'trews'). I am not certain of the 'checked' bit.

'scottish soldiers' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'soldiers' could be 're' (Royal Engineers) and 're' is found in the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'for' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for trews that I've seen before include "close-fitting garments" , "Some clothes" , "Trousers of a Scot" , "Close-fitting tartan trousers" , "Item of clothing" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app