What does chifforobe mean?
A chifforobe is a loose, full-length robe or outer garment, especially one associated with women’s dress in the nineteenth century. Its name survives largely in historical novels, costume descriptions, and deliberately archaic or humorous language rather than everyday modern use. When used today, the word can evoke the generous folds and enveloping shape of an old-fashioned dressing robe, although it is broader than garments specifically intended for lounging. A chifforobe should not be confused with chiffon: chiffon names a sheer fabric and products made from it, while a chifforobe names a robe. The term entered English from French in the nineteenth century through a French form associated with an older garment word and ultimately with the French shift, meaning a loose undergarment or chemise. Its unusual spelling and history make it especially useful when a writer wants to evoke period fashion with a concise, specific noun rather than the plainer word robe.
nounA loose, usually full-length outer robe, especially one worn by women.
- A loose, usually full-length outer robe, especially one worn by women.
"She drew her chifforobe around her shoulders as she sat by the fire."
"A rust-red chifforobe gave the portrait its air of nineteenth-century elegance."
"The costume notes describe the heroine's chifforobe as loose, dark, and excessively voluminous."
The regular plural is chifforobes.
"The attic contained several chifforobes in faded velvet and silk."
A chifforobe lets you evoke old-fashioned elegance with one word—just without getting out the needle and thread.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does chifforobe come from?
The English word dates from the nineteenth century and was borrowed from French chifferobe. French chifferobe developed from the older form chamfrobe, associated with a blend of shift and robe; shift denotes a loose undergarment or chemise, and robe denotes a garment. The English form preserves the altered chif- spelling, while the ultimate vocabulary is Romance in origin.
How chifforobe is actually used
This is an uncommon and somewhat archaic term found chiefly in American literature, historical costume descriptions, and deliberately old-fashioned or humorous writing.
Easily confused with chifforobe
Chiffon is a lightweight, sheer fabric and products made from it, whereas a chifforobe is a loose robe or outer garment.