caftan
UK[ˈkæftæn]US[ˈkæftæn]
n
A long, loose piece of clothing with wide sleeves, traditionally worn in the Middle East.
n
A woman's long, loose dress or top, often tied at the waist, inspired by the traditional garment.
Etymology
The word 'caftan' entered English in the late 16th century from Turkish 'kaftan'. The Turkish term itself was borrowed from Persian 'خفتان' (khaftān). The garment and its name have a deep history, tracing back through various cultures of the Middle East and Central Asia. While the ultimate origin is uncertain, it is often linked to an Old Persian term for a garment worn over armor. The journey of the word mirrors the trade and cultural exchange along the Silk Road, evolving from a specific historical garment into a term for a general style of loose, flowing robe recognized in global fashion.
Analysis
This word is a loanword borrowed as a single, unanalyzable unit into English. Its constituent parts are not morphemes within the English language system.
Examples
The ambassador received his guests while wearing an embroidered silk caftan.
She threw on a lightweight cotton caftan over her swimsuit for the walk back from the beach.
The fashion collection featured modern interpretations of the classic caftan in bold prints.