Peignoirs

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A loose-fitting robe or gown typically worn by women at home, often styled with delicate fabrics and adorned with lace or embroidery
2. A garment designed for informal wear that provides comfort and ease, frequently worn over sleepwear or lingerie
3. A style of dressing gown made from lightweight materials, often associated with leisurely mornings or evenings in a domestic setting

Etymology: "Peignoirs" is simply the plural of "peignoir," a noun borrowed directly from French. The French word is built from "peigner," meaning "to comb," and the suffix "-oir," which in French forms nouns naming an object used for a particular action. A peignoir was, quite literally, a garment for use while combing or dressing the hair, which explains why the garment has always been tied to the domestic routines of the morning. The word kept its French spelling and pronunciation when it crossed into English, which is why it looks so unfamiliar to many English speakers. Its meaning has also loosened over time: the original idea of a hair-combing wrap has given way to a lightweight dressing gown, often sheer and decorative, worn for lounging rather than for any grooming task.