Watteau back

noun

1. a loose, full back of a woman's gown, formed by wide box pleats hanging from a high shoulder yoke and extending to the hem in an unbroken line.

Watteau back

noun

1. a section at the back of a woman's dress that is caught in pleats or gathers at the neck and falls unbelted to the floor

Word History and Origins

Origin of Watteau back¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; after a type of gown depicted in paintings by Watteau

Example Sentences

It is cut low in the neck, and has those sleeves which open above the elbow, and a watteau back.

From Project Gutenberg

I wonder how a Watteau back like that would go on my blue alpaca?

From Project Gutenberg

I told Mademoiselle Leroe to make it in that style; that little watteau back is so very becoming to small girls.

From Project Gutenberg