chemise
/ʃi'mi:z/
Definition
- Noun:
- A loose, straight dress: A woman's dress that hangs straight from the shoulders and does not have a fitted waist or belt.
- A woman's undergarment: A sleeveless piece of clothing, like a simple slip or shift, worn under other clothes.
Examples of Usage
- As a dress:
- She wore a simple linen chemise to the garden party.
- The fashion designer's collection featured elegant silk chemises.
- As an undergarment:
- In historical dramas, actors often wear a chemise under their costumes.
- A cotton chemise is comfortable for sleeping.
Advanced Usage
- Historical Context: The chemise was originally a basic undergarment worn next to the skin to protect outer clothing. Over time, simpler versions evolved into a standalone dress or nightgown.
- Fashion Terminology: In modern fashion, a "chemise dress" refers specifically to the loose, straight-cut dress style.
Variants and Related Words
- Shift: A very similar word often used interchangeably with "chemise" for both the undergarment and the dress style.
- Slip: A related undergarment, but typically more fitted and often made of smoother fabric.
Synonyms
- Shift (for both the dress and undergarment meanings).
- Sack dress (specifically for the loose dress style).
- Undershift (for the undergarment meaning).
Related Phrases
- Chemise dress: The specific term for the dress style.
- Night chemise: Sometimes used to describe a chemise worn as nightwear.
Noun
-
a loose-fitting dress hanging straight from the shoulders without a waist
-
a woman's sleeveless undergarment
