noun
smock
SMAHK/smɑːk/
A loose protective garment worn over clothes.
The paint-spattered smock protects the man's shirt and trousers.
Etymology
Old English smoc named a woman's garment, and the word long referred to an undergarment. Its later use for a loose dress or blouse extended to the protective garment artists wear over their clothes.
In context
I hate work! said Devery, stretching up her thin arms, while her purple smock whipped about her lean, straight torso in classic folds.
More examples
- The children put on smocks before painting.
- His smock keeps clay off his shirt.
- She hangs her paint-covered smock beside the easel.
Forms
smock · smocks
Similar words
- apron
- Usually protects the front rather than surrounding the body.
- coveralls
- Include pants and provide more complete coverage of clothing.