dust-gown

A woman wears a dust-gown while cleaning the bookshelf.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A protective garment: "dust-gown" refers to a loose outer garment worn to protect clothing from dust, typically used while doing household chores or light cleaning.
   • A dust cover: It can also denote a cloth or covering used to shield furniture or objects from dust accumulation.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • She put on a dust-gown before sweeping the attic. (A protective garment to keep dust off her clothes.)
  • The antique chair was draped with a dust-gown to prevent dirt from settling. (A covering to shield the chair from dust.)

Advanced Usage

• "to wear a dust-gown": to don a garment specifically for dust protection.

  • The housekeeper always wore a dust-gown while cleaning the library. (She used the gown to stay clean during dusty work.)

• "dust-gown as a historical garment": In earlier eras, a dust-gown was a common item for women doing housework.

  • In Victorian homes, a dust-gown was part of a maid's uniform. (It was a practical garment for domestic tasks.)

Variants and Related Words

• Duster (n): a similar garment or cloth used for dusting; also a short coat.

  • He used a duster to wipe the shelves. (A cloth for dusting.)

• Dust-cloth (n): a piece of fabric used to remove dust.

  • She shook the dust-cloth out the window. (A cleaning cloth.)

Synonyms

• Smock: a loose garment worn over clothes to protect them.
• Coverall: a one-piece protective garment.
• Apron: a protective garment worn over the front of clothes.

Related Idioms

• "to shake the dust from one's gown": to leave a situation or place behind, often with a sense of finality.

  • After the argument, she shook the dust from her gown and left. (She departed decisively.)

• "dust-gown and broom": a phrase evoking the image of a housekeeper or cleaner.

  • She was always seen with her dust-gown and broom, tidying up. (She was associated with cleaning chores.)