Definition

Noun: A monkey jacket is a short, close-fitting jacket, typically waist-length and tapering to a point at the back. It is a formal uniform jacket, traditionally worn by officers in the military or merchant navy for formal dinners in the mess.

Usage

The term is used specifically to refer to a type of formal, tailored jacket that is part of a uniform. It is not a general term for any short jacket. - It is worn for specific, formal occasions within a structured environment like a military or naval officers' mess. - The defining characteristics are its short length, fitted cut, and the pointed back.

Examples

• The young lieutenant looked sharp in his monkey jacket for the captain's dinner.
• The regulation required all officers to wear their monkey jackets for the formal mess night.
• He had his monkey jacket tailored to fit perfectly for the ceremonial event.

Advanced Usage

• The term is highly specific to certain formal and historical uniform codes, particularly within British and Commonwealth naval and military traditions.
• Its use outside of these specific uniformed contexts is rare and would likely be for descriptive or historical reference.

Variants and Related Words

• Mess jacket: A very similar or synonymous term for a short formal uniform jacket worn for dinners in an officers' mess.
• Uniform jacket: A more general term that could encompass a monkey jacket.

Synonyms

• Mess jacket
• Formal uniform jacket
• Short dress jacket

Antonyms

• Casual jacket
• Overcoat
• Lounge coat

Notes

• The "monkey jacket" is distinct from civilian dinner jackets (tuxedos) or lounge suits, as it is explicitly a uniform item.
• The name's origin is uncertain but is firmly established in military and naval terminology.

Noun

1. waist-length jacket tapering to a point at the back; worn by officers in the mess for formal dinners