train-bearer

A lady's train-bearer walks carefully behind her, holding the long fabric of her gown.

Definition

Noun: A person who carries the train of a robe or gown, especially for a bride or a woman of high rank in a formal ceremony.

Usage Examples

• (The sister carried the trailing part of the wedding dress.)
• (A servant or attendant held the back of the queen’s ceremonial gown.)

Advanced Usage

• "to act as a train-bearer": to perform the duty of carrying a train.
  • She was honored to act as a train-bearer for the duchess at the state banquet. (She carried the duchess’s robe train.)

Variants and Related Words

• Train (n): the long back part of a formal gown or robe that trails behind the wearer.
  • The wedding dress had a five-foot train made of lace. (The trailing fabric at the back of the gown.)
• Bearer (n): a person who carries or supports something.
  • The ring bearer walked down the aisle before the bride. (The person carrying the wedding rings.)

Synonyms

• Attendant: a person who accompanies or serves another in a ceremonial role.
• Page: a young attendant, often in a wedding or court setting, who carries items.

Related Idioms

• "to bear the train": to literally or figuratively support the trailing part of something.
  • In medieval courts, young nobles were often assigned to bear the train of the king. (They carried the king’s robe train.)