full dress

¹

noun

1. the formal attire customarily worn in the evening, usually consisting of black tailcoats and white bow ties for men, and floor-length dresses for women.

2. a ceremonial style of dress.

full-dress

²

[fool-dres]

adjective

1. formal and complete in all details.

   a full-dress uniform.

2. done or presented completely or thoroughly.

full dress

noun

1. 1. a formal or ceremonial style of dress, such as white tie and tails for a man and a full-length evening dress for a woman

   2. ( as modifier )

      full-dress uniform

Word History and Origins

Origin of full dress¹

First recorded in 1755–65

Origin of full dress²

First recorded in 1755–65