Definition

1. Noun:

   • A long, loose-fitting outer garment, often formal or ceremonial. This is the primary meaning, referring to attire that signifies office, rank, or is used for specific rituals.
   • Any loose, flowing garment, typically worn for comfort or leisure, such as a bathrobe or dressing gown.

2. Verb:

   • To clothe someone, or to be clothed, in a robe or in a manner resembling a robe. This often implies a formal or ceremonial act of dressing.
   • (Figurative) To cover or adorn something as if with clothing.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • The judge put on her black robe before entering the courtroom.
  • After his shower, he wrapped himself in a warm, terrycloth robe.
  • The monks wore simple brown robes.

• Verb:

  • The new graduates were robed in traditional caps and gowns for the ceremony.
  • Fog robed the distant hills in a soft, gray mist.

Advanced Usage

• "The robe": Can be used metonymically to refer to the profession or office itself, especially in legal or religious contexts.
  • He dedicated his life to the robe. (Meaning: to the legal or judicial profession)

Variants and Related Words

• Bathrobe (n): A robe made of absorbent fabric, worn before or after bathing.
• Dressing Gown (n): A robe worn over nightwear, often used synonymously with 'robe' in British English.
• Robes (n, plural): The ceremonial garments worn by officials, clergy, or academics.
  • The bishop's robes were intricately embroidered.

Synonyms

• Gown: A long, formal dress or a loose outer garment, often used interchangeably with 'robe' for academic or judicial attire.
• Cloak: A type of loose outer garment, but typically sleeveless and fastened at the neck.
• Wrap: A garment worn by folding it around the body.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Constructions

• Robe in: To dress or cover in a robe. This is a less common but valid construction derived from the verb.
  • The statue was robed in marble and gold.

Related Idioms

• The long robe: An idiom referring to the legal profession.
  • He was a distinguished member of the long robe.

Noun

1. outerwear consisting of a long flowing garment used for official or ceremonial occasions
2. any loose flowing garment

Verb

1. cover as if with clothing
   • the mountain was clothed in tropical trees
2. clothe formally; especially in ecclesiastical robes