Dolly Varden

[ dol-ee vahr-dn ]

noun

1. 1. a woman's costume of the late 19th century, including a flower-trimmed, broad-brimmed hat and a dress consisting of a tight bodice and bouffant panniers in a flower print over a calf-length quilted petticoat.
   2. the hat of this costume.
   3. the dress of this costume.
2. Also Dol·ly Var·den trout []. a char, Salvelinus malma, inhabiting fresh and marine waters of western North America and eastern Asia, formerly considered the same species as the bull trout.
3. Newfoundland. a large earthenware drinking cup used on fishing vessels.

Dolly Varden

/ ˈdɒlɪ ˈvɑːdən /

noun

1. a woman's large-brimmed hat trimmed with flowers
2. a red-spotted trout, Salvelinus malma, occurring in lakes in W North America

Word History and Origins

Origin of Dolly Varden¹

First recorded in 1870–75; costume named after a colorfully dressed character in Dickens' Barnaby Rudge (1841); applied to the fish in allusion to its coloring

Word History and Origins

Origin of Dolly Varden¹

C19: from the name of a character in Dickens' Barnaby Rudge (1841)

Example Sentences

Crystal Creek Lodge in the aptly named town of King Salmon is one of only six guide services authorized to run jet-boat trips up American Creek—known for its rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, and grayling.

From Outside Online

The dolly varden is the only char native to the Pacific Coast, and like the Eastern brook trout is not properly a trout.

From Project Gutenberg

The dolly varden often reaches a length of thirty to thirty-six inches, and a weight of twelve pounds.

From Project Gutenberg

In the above list the most interesting picture, in many respects, is Mr. Frith's "Dolly Varden."

From Project Gutenberg

Dolly Varden was always beside her, and Dolly was clasped tight in her arms when she finally fell asleep to waken up no more.

From Project Gutenberg

Her dress was of sprigged muslin, and she wore a rather battered Dolly Varden hat.

From Project Gutenberg