underdress

American  

[uhn-der-dres, uhn-der-dres] / ˌʌn dərˈdrɛs, ˈʌn dərˌdrɛs /

verb (used without object)

underdressed, underdrest, underdressing

1. to clothe oneself less completely or formally than is usual or fitting for the circumstances.

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noun

1. garments worn beneath others; underclothes.

2. a slip, petticoat, or other underskirt, especially one designed to be seen when worn, as beneath a redingote.

Etymology

Origin of underdress

First recorded in 1775–85; under- + dress

Example Sentences

An underdress of heavy fleece wool and waterproof canvas is worn inside, the rubber canvas trousers, with pockets, outside.

From Time Magazine Archive

He wasn't about to underdress for the occasion.

From Time Magazine Archive

From her shoulders fell a long full robe of purple byssus, over an underdress of white which readied the knee.

From Idolatry A Romance by Hawthorne, Julian

Over an underdress of flame-colored silk there were what Jim considered floating clouds of pale gray chiffon.

From The Ranch Girls in Europe by Vandercook, Margaret

Bodice and underdress of sky-blue velveteen, trimmed with bouffants and noeuds of bell-pulls.

From The Book of Snobs by Thackeray, William Makepeace