The heavy, knee-length white pants worn during fencing. Usually with attached suspenders. Required for competitions.

what people in England call panties

Knickers is the correct terminology for a womens undergarments, the undergarment which is not a bra.

Other names are given for different styles of knickers as seen below.
The thong
The granny panties - which actually should be defined as granny knickers, but I'll let the people off seeing as most of these people are American.
bloomers
undies
panties
drawers

And many other ways.

Knickers can also be worn on one's head.

Also a good nickname for some named Nicole or Nicola.

undergarment for women

the beholder of the holy grail

The word knickers are the only thing that English women have going for them.

capri like pants ( meaning pants that end above ankle) worn by boys. sometimes have drawstrings attached to bottom. very un-common in this time period