What does periwig mean?
A periwig is a type of wig, especially the elaborate, curled, powdered, or long-haired wigs associated with fashionable European dress during the 17th and 18th centuries. In its principal sense, the word identifies a formal men's wig rather than hairpieces worn for ordinary use, theatrical costumes, or the everyday wigs associated with some later periods. Periwigs could be made from human hair, horsehair, wool, or other materials, and their size, styling, color, and decoration often conveyed social rank, occupation, and fashion. They are frequently encountered in portraiture, historical fiction, theatre, and accounts of political or legal ceremonies. The word has largely historical or literary force today, although “peruke” remains as a more specialized synonym. A periwig should not be confused with a periwinkle, which may refer either to a flowering plant or to a small marine snail.
nounA wig, especially a men's wig of the kind fashionable in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries, often made from human or horsehair and sometimes powdered or styled in long curls.
- A wig, particularly a curled or powdered men's wig fashionable in the 17th and 18th centuries.
- By extension, a head of hair styled or dressed in the manner of such a wig.
"The portrait shows the merchant wearing a white periwig and a dark coat."
"His elaborate periwig completed an outfit drawn from the eighteenth century."
"The actor removed his powdered periwig before the final scene."
The standard plural is “periwigs.”
"The collection includes portraits of aristocrats wearing elaborate periwigs."
Once a symbol of rank and professional status, the periwig is now largely confined to historical dress, portraits, and theatrical tradition.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does periwig come from?
The word entered English in the early 17th century from French perruque, itself derived from Latin perruca, meaning a wig or long hair. The form periwig developed as an English spelling of this loanword. Its best-known historical associations are the elaborate curled and powdered wigs worn by fashionable men and officials in 17th- and 18th-century Europe.
Related word forms
How periwig is actually used
The word is chiefly historical, literary, or theatrical today. It is more specific than the general word “wig” because it traditionally suggests the formal, often curled or powdered wigs associated with European elite dress. “Peruke” is a less common synonym and is now chiefly historical.
Easily confused with periwig
A periwig is a wig, whereas a periwinkle is a flowering plant or a small marine snail.