xiêm

Một vị quan mặc áo xiêm đứng trong sân đình.

Definition

1. Noun (Historical):
   • Ceremonial Apron: A formal, decorative apron that was part of the traditional ceremonial attire of Vietnamese mandarins and court officials.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Các quan mặc áo gấm, thắt đai và mặc xiêm. (The mandarins wore brocade robes, fastened a belt, and wore the ceremonial apron.)
  • Trang phục truyền thống đầy đủ bao gồm mũ, áo và xiêm. (The full traditional attire included a hat, a robe, and the ceremonial apron.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is primarily used in historical or literary contexts to describe the regalia of the imperial court. It is not used in modern everyday fashion.

Variants and Related Words

• Xiêm y (n): An archaic compound noun meaning "attire" or "garments," often used poetically.
  • Xiêm y lộng lẫy của các cung tần. (The splendid attire of the court ladies.)

Synonyms

• Ceremonial skirt: A decorative garment worn over the lower body as part of formal dress.
• Regalia: The emblems or insignia of royalty, especially the crown, scepter, and other ornaments used on ceremonial occasions.

Notes on Usage

• The word "xiêm" is considered archaic. In modern Vietnamese, the word "váy" is the common term for "skirt."
• It should not be confused with "Xiêm" (capitalized), which is the old name for the historical kingdom of Siam (modern-day Thailand).