Gown (goun), n. [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.
[1913 Webster]
He Mars deposed, and arms to gowns made yield. Dryden.
(c) A loose wrapper worn by gentlemen within doors; a dressing gown.
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2. Any sort of dress or garb.
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He comes . . . in the gown of humility. Shak.
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3. An evening gown.
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4. The students and faculty of a college and university, as opposed to the local inhabitants not connected to the university; -- used often in the phrase “town and gown”, referring to interactions between the university and the local townspeople; as, “a town and gown dispute”.
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