mantua

¹ American  

[man-choo-uh] / ˈmæn tʃu ə /

noun

1. a woman's loose gown worn as a robe or overdress in the early 18th century.

2. a mantle.

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Mantua ² American  

[man-choo-uh] / ˈmæn tʃu ə /

noun

1. a city in E Lombardy, in N Italy: birthplace of Vergil.

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Mantua ¹ British  

/ ˈmæntjʊə /

noun

1. Italian name: Mantova.  a city in N Italy, in E Lombardy, surrounded by lakes: birthplace of Virgil. Pop: 47 790 (2001)

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mantua ² British  

/ ˈmæntjʊə /

noun

1. a loose gown of the 17th and 18th centuries, worn open in front to show the underskirt

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Other Word Forms

• Mantuan adjective

Etymology

Origin of mantua

1670–80; variant of manteau, by association with Mantua

Example Sentences

The fabric of Taryn’s is gorgeous, the cut of her mantua and stomacher perfect.

From Literature

Then comes a petticoat, then a skirt, and a corset, and a mantua — a gown that goes on like a jacket, and drapes over the skirt.

From Seattle Times

“Madam,” I pressed, “I have it on the best authority that among the finest mantua makers of London, the pannier is no longer the mode.”

From Literature

Then shoes are buckled, stockings are gartered, and a black mantua placed gently round her shoulders.

From Project Gutenberg

The care of her room, and carrying water up and down, gave her some exercise; not enough; but Rotha would not indulge herself with out of door amusement till her mantua making was done.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• fiber
• taffeta
• thread
• tulle