walking-dress

A woman wears a fashionable walking-dress in the park.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A garment for outdoor walking: "walking-dress" refers to a type of clothing, typically a dress or suit, designed to be worn for walking outdoors, especially in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It was often practical, modest, and suitable for daytime activities like promenading or traveling.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • She wore a practical walking-dress of wool and linen for her daily stroll. (An outfit designed for outdoor walking.)
  • The museum displayed a Victorian walking-dress with a fitted bodice and long skirt. (A historical garment for walking.)

Advanced Usage

• "walking-dress" as a historical term: In period literature, "walking-dress" often denotes a specific category of fashion, distinct from evening wear or riding habits, emphasizing comfort and freedom of movement for foot travel.
  • In Jane Austen's novels, a lady's walking-dress is described as simple yet elegant. (A garment for daytime walking in the 19th century.)

Variants and Related Words

• Walking suit (n): a two-piece outfit (jacket and skirt) for walking, similar to a walking-dress.

  • She chose a tweed walking suit for her country walk. (A formal, practical outfit for walking.)

• Walking costume (n): an older term for a complete set of clothing for walking.

  • The walking costume included a hat, gloves, and a sturdy dress. (A full outfit for outdoor walking.)

Synonyms

• Outdoor dress: a garment suitable for outside activities.
• Promenade dress: a dress worn for a formal walk or stroll, especially in public.

Related Idioms