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Synonyms for gown


Grammar : Noun
Spell : goun
Phonetic Transcription : gaʊn



Définition of gown

Origin :
  • c.1300, from Old French goune "robe, coat, habit, gown," from Late Latin gunna "leather garment, skin, hide," of unknown origin. Used by St. Boniface (8c.) for a fur garment permitted for old or infirm monks. Klein writes it is probably "a word adopted from a language of the Apennine or the Balkan Peninsula." OED points to Byzantine Greek gouna, a word for a coarse garment sometimes made of skins, but also notes "some scholars regard [Late Latin gunna] as of Celtic origin."
  • In 18c., gown was the common word for what is now usually styled a dress. It was maintained more in the U.S. than in Britain, but was somewhat revived 20c. in fashion senses and in comb. forms (e.g. bridal gown, nightgown). Meaning "flowing robe worn as a badge of office or authority" is from late 14c., on image of the Roman toga. As collective singular for "residents of a university" (1650s) it usually now is opposed to town.
  • noun robe, dress
Example sentences :
  • See to my gown, the third that I have befouled within the week.
  • Extract from : « The White Company » by Arthur Conan Doyle
  • "Stay though, my friend, it was his gown," objected Alleyne.
  • Extract from : « The White Company » by Arthur Conan Doyle
  • A combination of crocuses and snow on the ground had given her an inspiration for a gown.
  • Extract from : « K » by Mary Roberts Rinehart
  • There might have been a night gown in it, and there might not.
  • Extract from : « Samantha Among the Brethren, Part 4. » by Josiah Allen's Wife (Marietta Holley)
  • The soft white folds of her woman's gown fell loosely about her.
  • Extract from : « Opera Stories from Wagner » by Florence Akin
  • I did not hold her hand, or so much as touch her gown with my knee or foot.
  • Extract from : « In the Valley » by Harold Frederic
  • And Philip fell on his knees and grasped the train of her gown.
  • Extract from : « Night and Morning, Complete » by Edward Bulwer-Lytton
  • If you was not a parson, I would not take these words; but your gown protects you.
  • Extract from : « Joseph Andrews, Vol. 2 » by Henry Fielding
  • He was carrying his gown and hood—I suppose it was that—on his arm.
  • Extract from : « The Gentleman From Indiana » by Booth Tarkington
  • No, no, he could not divest himself of that gown which clung so tightly to his flesh.
  • Extract from : « The Three Cities Trilogy, Complete » by Emile Zola

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Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019