falling band

American  

noun

1. a large, flat collar, usually trimmed with lace, worn by men in the 17th century.

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falling band British  

noun

1. a man's large flat collar, often lace-trimmed, worn during the 17th century

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Etymology

Origin of falling band

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

The ruff gives place at last to the falling band, a wide collar of lace or plain linen.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 7, Slice 4 "Coquelin" to "Costume" by Various

A broad belt with a heavy sword attached to, it crossed his breast, and round his neck was a plain falling band.

From The Star-Chamber, Volume 1 An Historical Romance by Ainsworth, William Harrison

You must somewhat reform your dress, upon a more grave and composed fashion; wear your cloak on both shoulders, and your falling band unrumpled and well starched.

From Kenilworth by Scott, Walter, Sir

They wore doublets of scarlet velvet, with large loose sleeves slashed up the front; the collar covered by a falling band of the richest point lace, with a vandyke edging.

From The Cavaliers of Virginia, vol. 1 of 2 or, The Recluse of Jamestown; An historical romance of the Old Dominion by Caruthers, William A. (Alexander)

The women as well as the men discarded the huge ruff, replacing it with a flaring collar known as the "falling band."

From Domestic Life in Virginia in the Seventeenth Century by Jester, Annie Lash