half mourning
Definition
- Noun:
- A period of mourning: "half mourning" refers to a stage of mourning following the initial period of full mourning, during which less strict dress codes are observed, typically involving black mixed with gray, white, or other subdued colors.
- Attire worn during this period: The clothing or accessories (e.g., black and gray garments) worn during this transitional mourning phase.
Usage Examples
- (The period of less severe mourning dress.)
- (The specific attire associated with this phase.)
Advanced Usage
"to be in half mourning": to be in the period or state of wearing half-mourning attire.
- She was still in half mourning for her late husband, though she could now attend social events. (She was observing the second stage of mourning.)
"to go into half mourning": to transition from full mourning to this less strict stage.
- After six months, the court went into half mourning for the deceased monarch. (The royal court adopted a less severe dress code.)
Variants and Related Words
Half-mourning (adj, also hyphenated): of or relating to this period or attire.
- She wore a half-mourning dress of gray silk. (A dress appropriate for half mourning.)
Mourning (n): the expression of sorrow for someone's death, often involving specific customs or dress.
- Full mourning required black clothing for a year. (The initial, stricter stage of mourning.)
Synonyms
- Second mourning: a less common synonym for the period after full mourning.
- Transitional mourning: a modern term for the gradual easing of mourning customs.
Related Idioms
- "to be in black": to be in full mourning (contrasts with half mourning).
- She was in black for her father, but later moved to half mourning. (Full mourning attire.)