Definition

Noun: 1. A formal robe worn by academics or judges: A long, loose-fitting garment, typically black, worn over regular clothing during formal academic ceremonies (like graduations) or in judicial settings. It signifies scholarly achievement or judicial authority.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The professor looked distinguished in his traditional academic gown.
  • All graduating students must wear an academic gown to the commencement ceremony.
  • The judge entered the courtroom wearing her academic gown over her suit.

Advanced Usage

• "To don the academic gown": To put on the gown, often symbolizing the formal acceptance of a degree or entry into a profession.
  • After years of study, she was proud to finally don the academic gown.
• "Cap and gown": A common phrase referring to the full academic regalia, consisting of the mortarboard (cap) and the gown.
  • The quad was filled with students in cap and gown for the graduation photos.

Variants and Related Words

• Gown (n): A long, elegant dress or a loose outer garment. The academic gown is a specific type of gown.
• Robes (n): Often used synonymously with gowns in academic or judicial contexts.
  • The faculty procession was a sea of colorful academic robes.
• Regalia (n): The complete and often elaborate official attire, including the gown, hood, and cap, for a specific office or ceremony.

Synonyms

• Academic robe: A direct synonym.
• Scholar's robe: Emphasizes the wearer's scholarly status.
• Judicial robe: Specifically denotes the gown worn by a judge.

Related Phrases

• Hood (n): A separate colored and lined cloth worn over the shoulders and down the back of the academic gown, indicating the wearer's degree and institution.
  • The velvet on her hood represented her doctoral degree.

Related Idioms

• "To wear the gown": To hold an academic position or profession.
  • He has worn the gown at this university for over thirty years.

Noun

1. a gown worn by academics or judges