A leather shoe, similar to an ankle-high boot, issued to soldiers during the Civil War.  Brogans were also popular amongst civilians during the time period. See image» Bummer:  A term used to describe marauding or foraging soldiers.  Although armies on both sides often had rules against foraging or stealing from private residences, some soldiers [..]

n. A coarse, heavy shoe.

(n) a thick and heavy shoe

From the Old Irish name Broccán, derived from bróc "shoe, sandal, greave" combined with a diminutive suffix. This was the name of several Irish saints, including Saint [..]