Word of the Day

: July 18, 2007

garderobe

noun GAR-drohb

What It Means

1 : a wardrobe or its contents

2 : a private room : bedroom

3 : privy, toilet

garderobe in Context

"On our tour of Castle Rushen, begun in 1200 and enhanced over the years, [caretaker Ian] McKinlay made sure to point out the garderobe -- because nature calls, even in a castle. . .." (Gemma Tarlach, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, July 25, 2004)

Did You Know?

"Garderobe" entered the English language in the 15th century and continues in use to this day, though its frequency has diminished significantly since the 19th century. Originally, its primary duty was to provide English speakers with a word for a room or closet in which to store clothing. Later, by extension, it was used for private bedrooms and bathrooms. Today you are most likely to encounter the word in a description of an old castle, such as our example sentence. "Garder," the French word for "guard" on which "garderobe" is based, has also served English well by directly contributing to the formation of such words as "award," "guard," "regard," and, yes, "wardrobe."

*Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.