frock
UK[frɒk]US[frɑːk]
n
a woman's or girl's dress.
n
a long gown with flowing sleeves worn by monks, priests, or clergy members.
Etymology
the word 'frock' has a journey that traces back to the clothing of medieval europe. it originates from a frankish/germanic word for an outer garment or coat, which passed into medieval latin and then old french. entering middle english as 'frok', it initially referred specifically to the long, loose gown worn by monks. over centuries, its meaning broadened to denote a general loose outer garment for men before specializing in modern english to primarily mean a woman's or girl's dress, while retaining its clerical sense in specific contexts.
Analysis
the word is a simplex loanword. it entered english as a whole unit from old french 'froc', meaning a monk's habit or a garment. the old french term likely derived from medieval latin 'frocus', of frankish/germanic origin, related to old high german 'hroc' meaning 'coat'.
Examples
she wore a simple cotton frock to the garden party.
the priest donned his ceremonial frock before the service.
the little girl's new frock was adorned with blue ribbons.