bagwig

American  

[bag-wig] / ˈbægˌwɪg /

noun

1. a wig with the back hair enclosed in a fabric bag, much used in the 18th century.

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bagwig British  

/ ˈbæɡˌwɪɡ /

noun

1. an 18th-century wig with hair pushed back into a bag

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Other Word Forms

• bagwigged adjective

Etymology

Origin of bagwig

First recorded in 1710–20; bag + wig

Example Sentences

And, in front of us, two posturing figures in Dresden china colours, rouged, patched, powdered, perfumed, in hoop skirts, flirting with a fan—the lady; in gold-laced wide coat, solitaire, bagwig, ruffles, and red heels—the gentleman.

From English Costume by Calthrop, Dion Clayton

During his life he saw the old-fashioned full frock-coat, bagwig, solitaire, and ruffles die away; he saw the decline and fall of knee-breeches for common wear, and the pantaloons invented by himself take their place.

From English Costume by Calthrop, Dion Clayton

Detail the circumstances that are said to explain the curious conduct of the celebrated little old man in the bagwig and faded blue velvet coat, that haunts the principal guest bedchamber at Tokenhouse Manor.

From Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 93, Nov. 11, 1887 by Various

Handel’s was not a bagwig, which was simply so named from the little stuffed black silk watch-pocket that hung down behind the back of the wearer. 

From Letters of Edward FitzGerald in two volumes, Vol. 1 by Wright, William Aldis