clotheshorse

American  

[klohz-hawrs, klohthz-] / ˈkloʊzˌhɔrs, ˈkloʊðz- /

noun

1. Informal. a person whose chief interest and pleasure is dressing fashionably.

2. a frame on which to hang wet laundry for drying.

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clotheshorse British  

/ ˈkləʊðzˌhɔːs /

noun

1. a frame on which to hang laundry for drying or airing

2. informal a dandy

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Etymology

Origin of clotheshorse

First recorded in 1765–75; clothes + horse

Example Sentences

“He responds well to men’s clothing in particular. Marty is a clotheshorse himself.”

From Los Angeles Times

As flattering as that pale purple may be on her, she’s much happier to let her guests’ ensembles, especially noted clotheshorse Kim, in a sweeping chiffon skirt and little white gloves, provide the fashion credentials.

From Washington Post

Clare’s interactions with the women in her life are playful and sympathetic even as she discovers that her ethics separate her from these clotheshorses.

From Los Angeles Times

As a clotheshorse, he had certain natural advantages, of course.

From New York Times

I used to be something of a casual clotheshorse, an obsessive buyer of T-shirts, baseball caps, socks and Adidas sneakers.

From New York Times