Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Gown
Gown
(goun)
, Noun.
[OE.
goune
, prob. from W. gwn
gown, loose robe, akin to Ir. gunn
, Gael. gùn
; cf. OF. gone
, prob. of the same origin.] 1.
A loose, flowing upper garment
; especially: (a)
The ordinary outer dress of a woman, especially one that is full-length/ex>.
(b)
The official robe of certain professional men and scholars, as university students and officers, barristers, judges, etc.; hence, the dress of peace; the dress of civil officers, in distinction from military.
(c)
A loose wrapper worn by gentlemen within doors; a dressing gown.
2.
Any sort of dress or garb.
He comes . . . in the
gown
of humility. Shakespeare
Webster 1828 Edition
Gown
GOWN
,Noun.
1.
A woman;s upper garment.2.
A long loose upper garment or robe, worn by professional men, as divines, lawyers, students, &c., who are called men of the gown or gownmen. It is made of any kind of cloth worn over ordinary clothes,and hangs down to the ankles or nearly so.4.
The dress of peace, or the civil magistracy; cedant arma togoe. He Mars deposed, and arms to gowns made yield.