Definition

Noun: A long, formal outer garment, typically made of luxurious fabric, designed to be worn over evening attire to provide warmth and elegance when attending events like the opera or theater.

Usage

An opera cloak is a specific type of cloak intended for formal evening wear. It is not for everyday use but for special social occasions where full evening dress (e.g., tuxedos, evening gowns) is required. It is worn over the shoulders and is often removed upon arrival at the venue.

Examples

• She arrived at the gala wearing a velvet opera cloak over her silk gown.
• In the 19th century, a gentleman's opera cloak was an essential part of his formal wardrobe.
• The opera cloak kept her warm during the carriage ride to the theater.

Advanced Usage

• Historical Context: The opera cloak was a staple of high society fashion in the 18th and 19th centuries, symbolizing wealth and status.
• Theatrical Prop: In theater and film, an opera cloak is often used as a costume piece to instantly signify a character is dressed for a formal evening event or to create a dramatic entrance.

Variants and Related Words

• Cloak (n.): A more general term for a loose outer garment, often sleeveless, that fastens at the neck.
• Evening wrap (n.): A lighter, often shorter, garment worn over evening clothes; a shawl or stole.
• Cape (n.): A sleeveless outer garment that hangs from the shoulders and is not closed at the front like a cloak often is.

Synonyms

• Formal cloak
• Evening cloak
• Dress cloak

Antonyms

• Day coat
• Casual jacket
• Raincoat

Related Phrases

• To cloak oneself in: (Idiom) To hide or conceal one's intentions or identity.
  • The spy cloaked himself in a normal identity. (This idiom uses the general concept of a "cloak" as concealment, not specifically an opera cloak.)

Noun

1. a large cloak worn over evening clothes