Overgarment

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A clothing item designed to be worn atop other layers for warmth or protection during adverse weather
2. A type of outerwear that provides an additional layer of insulation or defense against the elements when worn over other clothing
3. An article of clothing intended to be layered over other garments for added warmth or protection

Etymology: "Overgarment" is a plain compound: the prefix "over-" (meaning above or outside) joined to "garment," a word that came into English from Old French "garnement" and originally referred to equipment or furnishings before narrowing to clothing. Combined, the two parts describe exactly what the word means, a garment worn over the others. The compound is recorded in Middle English, so it has been part of the language for several centuries rather than being a modern coinage. The construction follows a pattern English uses freely. "Over-" attaches to many nouns to mark a layer placed on top, as in "overcoat" and "overshirt," and "overgarment" is the general term that covers all of them. It is most often used in tailoring, legal, and fashion contexts where a category of clothing needs a name that is broader than any single item.

Synonyms: outerwear, coat, jacket, cloak

Antonyms: undergarment