falling band

American  

noun

1. a large, flat collar, usually trimmed with lace, worn by men in the 17th century.

---

falling band British  

noun

1. a man's large flat collar, often lace-trimmed, worn during the 17th century

---

Etymology

Origin of falling band

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

falling band

They wore doublets of scarlet velvet, with large loose sleeves slashed up the front; the collar covered by a falling band of the richest point lace, with a vandyke edging.

From The Cavaliers of Virginia, vol. 1 of 2 or, The Recluse of Jamestown; An historical romance of the Old Dominion by William A. (Alexander) Caruthers

The women as well as the men discarded the huge ruff, replacing it with a flaring collar known as the "falling band."

From Domestic Life in Virginia in the Seventeenth Century by Annie Lash Jester

The ruff gives place at last to the falling band, a wide collar of lace or plain linen.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 7, Slice 4 "Coquelin" to "Costume" by Various

Over his shoulders he wore a mantle of watchet-coloured velvet; his neck was encircled by a falling band; and silken hose of the same colour as the doublet completed his costume.

From The Star-Chamber, Volume 1 An Historical Romance by William Harrison Ainsworth

A broad belt with a heavy sword attached to, it crossed his breast, and round his neck was a plain falling band.

From The Star-Chamber, Volume 1 An Historical Romance by William Harrison Ainsworth