bib and tucker

American  

noun

1. clothes.

   to dress in one's best bib and tucker.

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bib and tucker British  

noun

1. informal an outfit of clothes (esp in the phrase best bib and tucker )

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Etymology

Origin of bib and tucker

First recorded in 1740–50

Example Sentences

“I was born with a boy’s spirit under my bib and tucker,” wrote Miss Alcott in 1856.

From New York Times

As for the name, “a bib and tucker was the finest wardrobe a gentleman could put together back in the day, which was the late 1800s," he explains. "Remember the show ‘Beverly Hillbillies?’

From Los Angeles Times

My dad Bill was on a night shift so he came home, got me and my brother Kevin out of bed, got us dressed in our best bib and tucker and took us down to the station to have our picture taken.

From BBC

The orator is conning for the last time the speech in which he has vainly attempted to season with some new spice the yearly panegyric upon our country; its happiness and glory; the audience is putting on its best bib and tucker, and its blandest expression to listen.

From Project Gutenberg

By Elsa d'Esterre-Keeling, Author of "Three Sisters," "Bib and Tucker," &c.

From Project Gutenberg