costume
UK[ˈkɒstjuːm]US[ˈkɑːstuːm]
n
a set of clothes worn by an actor or performer for a particular role or by someone to look like a different person or thing.
n
a set of clothes typical of a particular country, historical period, or group of people.
Etymology
the word "costume" entered english in the early 18th century from french, carrying the sense of fashion or customary dress. its lineage traces back to the latin noun 'consuetūdō', which denotes a custom, habit, or established practice. this latin term is built on the verb 'consuescere', meaning "to accustom," formed from 'con-' (together, thoroughly) and 'suescere' (to become accustomed). the semantic evolution is clear: from a general "custom" or "habit," the meaning narrowed specifically to the customary style of dress associated with a particular time, place, or profession, eventually solidifying into its modern theatrical and cultural senses.
Analysis
the word is a simplex loanword. it is derived from the french 'costume', meaning "custom, fashion, dress," which itself came from italian 'costume', with the same meaning. the italian word originated from latin 'consuetūdinem', the accusative form of 'consuetūdō', meaning "custom, habit, usage."
Examples
she wore a beautiful elizabethan costume for the renaissance fair.
the actors spent hours in hair and makeup before putting on their costumes.
the traditional costume of the region is brightly colored and intricately embroidered.