Gown, n.

n. [O. Eng. goune, O. Fr. gone, Pr. & O. Sp. gona, It. gonna, L. Lat. gunna, Late Gr. γοῦνα, i. q. διφθέρα, a prepared hide, a leathern garment, Albanian gunë, cloak, coat, W. gwn, gown, loose robe, Ir. gunn, gunnadh, Gael. gùn.]

1Sense 1. A loose, flowing upper garment; especially, (a.) The ordinary outer dress of a woman; as, a calico or silk gown. (b.) The official robe of certain professional men and scholars, including university students, in distinction from the people of the town, and officers of a university, barristers, and the like; hence, civil officers, in distinction from military.

He Mars deposed, and arms to gowns made yield. Dryden.

(c.) A loose wrapper worn by gentlemen within doors; a dressing-gown.

2Sense 2. Any sort of dress or garb. “Dressed in the gown of humility.” Shak.