Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of sofa: A long, overstuffed couch or davenport, typically characterized by its deep button-tufted upholstery, rolled arms that are the same height as the back, and a consistent back and arm height.
   • A type of overcoat: A man's fitted overcoat, usually single-breasted, with a velvet collar.
   • A proper name: A title and surname, most notably associated with Philip Dormer Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield, an 18th-century English statesman and writer.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Sofa):

  • The antique chesterfield in the library was covered in deep green leather.
  • They gathered around the fireplace, sitting on the large chesterfield.

• Noun (Overcoat):

  • He wore a elegant chesterfield to the formal evening event.
  • The chesterfield, with its distinctive velvet collar, is a classic piece of menswear.

• Noun (Proper Name):

  • Lord Chesterfield is famous for his letters on manners and education.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used attributively to describe the style of an item.
  • The room had a chesterfield-style sofa and two matching armchairs.

Variants and Related Words

• Chesterfieldian (adj): Pertaining to or characteristic of Lord Chesterfield or his writings, especially regarding etiquette.
  • His advice was of a distinctly Chesterfieldian nature.

Synonyms

• For the sofa: Davenport, couch, sofa, settee.
• For the overcoat: Overcoat, topcoat, greatcoat.

Related Idioms or Phrases

• While there are no direct idioms, the "Chesterfield" as a sofa is iconic in design, leading to the common phrase "a chesterfield sofa" to specify the style.

Noun

1. a fitted overcoat with a velvet collar
2. an overstuffed davenport with upright armrests
3. suave and witty English statesman remembered mostly for letters to his son (1694-1773)