peruke

[puh-rook]

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.

peruke

/ pəˈruːk /

noun

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

Other Word Forms

• peruked adjective
• perukeless adjective
• unperuked adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of peruke¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of peruke¹

C16: from French perruque, from Italian perrucca wig, of obscure origin

Example Sentences

A peruke was made of long hair, often with curls on the sides, and was sometimes drawn back on the nape of the neck.

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

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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.

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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!”

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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.

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Related Words

• hairpiece