Definition of gown

< Gower, John

gownsman >

gown    (goun) KEY 

NOUN:

1. A long loose flowing garment, such as a robe or nightgown.
2. A long, usually formal dress for a woman.
3. A robe or smock worn in operating rooms and other parts of hospitals as a guard against contamination.
4. A distinctive outer robe worn on ceremonial occasions, as by scholars or clerics.
5. The faculty and student body of a university: perfect accord between town and gown.

VERB:
gowned, gown·ing, gowns
VERB:
tr.

To clothe (oneself or another) with a gown.

VERB:
intr.

To dress in a gown.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English goune, from Old French, from Late Latin gunna, leather garment