dress

/ˈdres/

Middle English, from Anglo-French drescer, dresser to direct, put right, from Vulgar Latin *directiare, from Latin directus direct, past participle of dirigere to direct, from dis- + regere to lead straight

verb

  1. to make or set straight

  2. to arrange (troops, equipment, etc.) in a straight line and at proper intervals

  3. to prepare for use or service; specifically : to prepare for cooking or for the table

noun

  1. apparel, clothing

  2. an outer garment (as for a woman or girl) usually consisting of a one-piece bodice and skirt

  3. covering, adornment, or appearance appropriate or peculiar to a particular time

adjective

  1. suitable for a formal occasion

  2. requiring or permitting formal dress

  3. relating to or used for a dress

dress clothes