Definition

1. Noun:
   • A loose dressing gown for women: A peignoir is a lightweight, often sheer or decorative, robe worn by women, typically over nightwear or lingerie. It is designed for comfort and modesty, often associated with dressing or preparing for bed.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • She wore a silk peignoir while brushing her hair at the vanity.
  • The vintage peignoir was trimmed with delicate lace.

Advanced Usage

• Historical Context: The peignoir originated in the 18th century as a garment worn while having one's hair styled ("peigner" means "to comb" in French). It emphasizes elegance and leisure.
• Descriptive Use: The term often evokes an image of luxury, femininity, or a bygone era of dressing rituals.

Variants and Related Words

• Negligee (n): A similar, often more decorative, women's dressing gown. A negligee may be considered a type of peignoir.
• Dressing gown (n): A more general term for a robe worn over nightwear.
• Robe (n): A broad term for a loose outer garment.

Synonyms

• Housecoat: A robe for wearing around the house.
• Wrapper: An old-fashioned term for a dressing gown.

Idioms and Phrases

Noun

1. a loose dressing gown for women