gowns

Noun

gown (plural gowns)

1. A loose, flowing upper garment.
2. A woman's ordinary outer dress, such as a calico or silk gown.
3. The official robe of certain professionals, clerics, and scholars, such as university students and officers, barristers, judges, etc.
   • VVhat is he an honeſt man? the deuill he is, he is the Parſon of the Towne,
     You thinke ther’s no knauerie hid vnder a black gowne, […]1593, anonymous author, The Life and Death of Iacke Straw […], →OCLC, Act I
   1. The dress of civil officers, as opposed to military officers.
4. (metonymically) The university community, especially as contrasted with the local populace.
   • In the perennial town versus gown battles, townies win some violent battles, but the collegians are winning the war.
5. A loose wrapper worn by gentlemen within doors; a dressing gown.

See all 9 meanings of gown