v.
- put on one's clothes.
▸put clothes on (someone).
▸wear clothes in a particular way or of a particular type:
she dresses well.
▸put on clothes appropriate for a formal occasion.
▸
(dress up)
dress in smart clothes or in a special costume.
▸
(dress down)
dress informally.
▸
(dress someone down)
informal reprimand someone.
- decorate or arrange in an attractive way.
- treat or prepare in a particular way.
▸clean, treat, or cover (a wound).
▸treat the surface of (leather or fabric) during manufacture.
▸smooth the surface of (stone).
▸apply fertilizer to.
- clean and prepare (food) for cooking or eating.
▸add a dressing to (a salad).
- Military draw up (troops) in the proper alignment.
- make (an artificial fishing fly).
n.
- a one-piece garment for a woman or girl that covers the body and extends down over the legs.
- clothing of a specified kind:
he was in the formal dress of the Council.
▸
[
as modifier]
denoting ceremonial clothing or uniform:
a dress suit.
Phrase
- dressed overall
Nautical decorated with a continuous line of flags from bow to stern. - dressed to kill
informal wearing glamorous clothes intended to create a striking impression.
Etymology
ME: from OFr. dresser ‘arrange, prepare’, based on L. directus ‘direct, straight’.