For example, the characters of some regional variants of the traditional mummers' play, which were traditionally always performed by men, include Besom Bet(ty) numerous variations on Bessy or Betsy Bucksome Nell Mrs Clagdarse Dame Dolly Dame Dorothy Mrs Finney Mrs Frail and many others. Men dressed as women have been featured in certain traditional customs for centuries. Perhaps there is some connection here with the origin of the use of the word The word for ‘wear’ in Dutch is ‘dragen’ - ik drag’ and in German ‘tragen - ich Trag’. Some have suggested that drag stands for 'dressed as a girl'. It may have been based on the term 'grand rag' which was historically used for a masquerade ball. One suggested etymological root is 19th-century theatre slang, from the sensation of long skirts trailing on the floor.
The use of 'drag' in this sense appeared in print as early as 1870 but its origin is uncertain. Further information: Drag queen § Terminology, scope, and etymology Participants of the High Heel Drag Race in Washington, D.C.
