full-dress
[foo l-dres]
- formal and complete in all details: a full-dress uniform.
- done or presented completely or thoroughly.
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Origin of full-dress
First recorded in 1755–65
full dress
- 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.
- a ceremonial style of dress.
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Origin of full dress
First recorded in 1755–65
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words
dressyelegantfancyfashionablegrandsmartstylishall-outcarefulcompleteexhaustiveimportantthoroughgoingExamples from the Web for full-dress
Contemporary Examples
The house, like every obvious manifestation of Palmer, is ready for a full-dress inspection.
Historical Examples
The full-dress visits to the King on his 'debotter' were continued.
Then he grimly changed his garments for the full-dress uniform of the Med Service.
Pariah PlanetMurray Leinster
All appeared in full-dress uniform, and a bountiful collation was served.
As I RememberMarian Gouverneur
"Some night you must put on your full-dress suit too," she whispered.
Rich Man, Poor ManMaximilian Foster
Titus and Breckenridge each glanced at a new, full-dress sword.
Notes of a War CorrespondentRichard Harding Davis
full dress
- 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
- (as modifier)full-dress uniform
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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