| gown | 1. A loose, flowing upper garment; especially: The ordinary outer dress of a woman; as, a calico or silk gown. The official robe of certain professional men and scholars, as university students and officers, barristers, judges, etc.; hence, the dress of peace; the dress of civil officers, in distinction from military. "He Mars deposed, and arms to gowns made yield." (Dryden) A loose wrapper worn by gentlemen within doors; a dressing gown. 2. Any sort of dress or garb. "He comes . . . In the gown of humility." (Shak) Origin: OE. Goune, prob. From W. Gwn gown, loose robe, akin to Ir. Gunn, Gael. Gun; cf. OF. Gone, prob. Of the same origin. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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