What does himation mean?
The himation was a type of ancient Greek or Roman cloak or mantle, typically worn by men. It was a simple, draped garment that was often worn over a tunic, and was commonly depicted in ancient art and literature. The himation was an important part of ancient Greek and Roman dress, and its depiction in art and literature provides valuable insights into the culture and customs of the time. The word himation is derived from the Greek ἱμάτιον, and is still used today in formal or historical contexts to describe this type of ancient garment.
nounA type of ancient Greek or Roman cloak or mantle, typically worn by men.
- Ancient Greek or Roman garment
- Type of ancient cloak
"The philosopher wore a simple himation over his tunic."
"The philosopher wore a simple himation over his tunic."
"In ancient art, the himation was often depicted as a draped garment."
Countable, used to refer to multiple garments
"The museum displayed several ancient himations."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of himation
The word himation is derived from the Greek ἱμάτιον, which referred to a type of garment or clothing. The Greek word is thought to be derived from the verb ἱμάζειν, which means 'to clothe' or 'to dress'. The himation was an important part of ancient Greek and Roman dress, and its depiction in art and literature provides valuable insights into the culture and customs of the time.
Usage notes
Formal or historical contexts; often used in academic or literary descriptions of ancient cultures.