box coat

American  

noun

1. an outer coat with a straight, unfitted back.

2. a heavy overcoat worn by coachmen.

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box coat British  

noun

1. a plain short coat that hangs loosely from the shoulders

2. a heavy overcoat, worn formerly by coachmen

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Etymology

Origin of box coat

First recorded in 1815–25

Example Sentences

Brown kilted skirt and box coat, brown furs and brown gloves.

From Three Little Women A Story for Girls by Jackson, Gabrielle E. (Gabrielle Emilie)

"Where's Gerald?" he asked as an office-boy relieved him of his heavy box coat and brought his mail to him.

From The Younger Set by Chambers, Robert W. (Robert William)

He was wrapped in an old box coat, part of which had slipped from his shoulder in such a way as to uncover the gold-laced cloak of King Dagobert.

From Four Short Stories By Emile Zola by Zola, Émile

Father Simon, the coachman, with head bowed and back bent in the pouring rain, was completely covered by his box coat with its triple cape.

From Une Vie, a Piece of String and Other Stories by Maupassant, Guy de

Mr. Seaton showed us a stout box coat charged ten guineas which was pronounced very cheap, though I cannot but suppose the same might be had at Bolton for £6.

From A Journey to America in 1834 by Heywood, Robert