1. An outer garment; a dress of a rich, flowing, and elegant style or make; hence, a dress of state, rank, office, or the like. "Through tattered clothes small vices do appear; Robes and furred gowns hide all." (Shak)
2. A skin of an animal, especially, a skin of the bison, dressed with the fur on, and used as a wrap. Master of the robes, an officer of the English royal household (when the sovereign is a king) whose duty is supposed to consist in caring for the royal robes. Mistress of the robes, a lady who enjoys the highest rank of the ladies in the service of the English sovereign (when a queen), and is supposed to have the care her robes.
Origin: F, fr. LL. Rauba a gown, dress, garment; originally, booty, plunder. See Rob, and cf. Rubbish.
(01 Mar 1998)
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