peruke

American  

[puh-rook] / pəˈruk /

noun

1. a man's wig of the 17th and 18th centuries, usually powdered and gathered at the back of the neck with a ribbon; periwig.

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peruke British  

/ pəˈruːk /

noun

1. Also called: periwig.  a type of wig for men, fashionable in the 17th and 18th centuries

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Other Word Forms

• peruked adjective
• perukeless adjective
• unperuked adjective

Etymology

Origin of peruke

First recorded in 1540–50; from Middle French perru(c)que, “head of hair, wig”; further origin uncertain

Example Sentences

It may sound like a fairly coarse insult to be bandied about after a couple of ciders, but a nob-thatcher was someone who made perukes, or men's wigs.

From BBC

“That would be nice. I think you will look darling in a peruke.”

From Literature

For my part I prefer the snows of life’s winter to the best made peruke, and even a bald head to an inferior wig.

From Project Gutenberg

Having lapsed into a worldly mind again, he thus addresses Tabitha: “Shall I, who am to ride the purple dromedary, go dressed like Revelation Fats, the basket-maker?—Give me the peruke, boy!”

From Project Gutenberg

He was a tall, stout man, wearing a large black peruke and a lace cravat and ruffles; and he carried a steel-hilted sword, and had somehow the bearing of one who had seen service abroad.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• hairpiece