Gown (?), n. [OE. goune, prob. from W. gwn gown, loose robe, akin to Ir. gunn, Gael. gun; cf. OF. gone, prob. of the same origin.]
1.
A loose, flowing upper garment
; especially: (a)
The ordinary outer dress of a woman; as, a calico or silk gown
. (b)
The official robe of certain professional men and scholars, as university students and officers, barristers, judges, etc.; hence, the dress of peace; the dress of civil officers, in distinction from military
.
He Mars deposed, and arms to gowns made yield.
Dryden.
(c)
A loose wrapper worn by gentlemen within doors; a dressing gown
.
2.
Any sort of dress or garb.
He comes . . . in the gown of humility.
Shak.
© Webster 1913.