mantua

¹

[man-choo-uh]

noun

1. a woman's loose gown worn as a robe or overdress in the early 18th century.

2. a mantle.

Mantua

²

[man-choo-uh]

noun

1. a city in E Lombardy, in N Italy: birthplace of Vergil.

Mantua

¹

/ ˈmæntjʊə /

noun

1. Italian name: Mantova. a city in N Italy, in E Lombardy, surrounded by lakes: birthplace of Virgil. Pop: 47 790 (2001)

mantua

²

/ ˈmæntjʊə /

noun

1. a loose gown of the 17th and 18th centuries, worn open in front to show the underskirt

Other Word Forms

• Mantuan adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of mantua¹

1670–80; variant of manteau, by association with Mantua

Word History and Origins

Origin of mantua¹

C17: changed from _manteau , through the influence of _Mantua

Example Sentences

The fabric of Taryn’s is gorgeous, the cut of her mantua and stomacher perfect.

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Then comes a petticoat, then a skirt, and a corset, and a mantua — a gown that goes on like a jacket, and drapes over the skirt.

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“Madam,” I pressed, “I have it on the best authority that among the finest mantua makers of London, the pannier is no longer the mode.”

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Then shoes are buckled, stockings are gartered, and a black mantua placed gently round her shoulders.

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One was much taken up with shopping and visits to her mantua- maker; several were engrossed with fancy work; some went out a great deal; all had an air of dawdling.

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Related Words

• fiber 
• taffeta 
• thread 
• tulle