gown

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the members of a university as distinguished from the other residents of the town in which the university is located

   the relations between town and gown are always sensitive

2. 2
   noun

   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, […]

3. 3
   noun

   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.

4. 4
   noun

   a woman's dress, usually with a close-fitting bodice and a long flared skirt, often worn on formal occasions

5. 5
   noun

   outerwear consisting of a long flowing garment used for official or ceremonial occasions

6. 6
   noun

   protective garment worn by surgeons during operations

7. 7
   noun

   lingerie consisting of a loose dress designed to be worn in bed by women

8. 8
   verb

   dress in a gown

Etymology

From Middle English gowne, from Anglo-Norman goune, gune (“fur-trimmed coat, pelisse”), from Old French goune, from Late Latin gunna (“leather garment, a fur”). Cognate with Manx gooyn, Irish gúna.