robe
UK[rəʊb]US[roʊb]
n
A long, loose outer garment, often worn for ceremonies or to show a particular rank or profession.
n
A dressing gown or bathrobe.
v
To clothe someone in a robe or other long, loose garment.
Etymology
The English word 'robe' was borrowed in the 13th century from Old French 'robe', which meant 'booty, spoils, stolen clothing' and later 'garment'. The Old French term derived from a West Germanic source, likely Frankish 'rauba' meaning 'booty'. This Germanic root is related to the Old English word 'rēafian', meaning 'to rob', and the modern English word 'rob'. The semantic evolution is fascinating: from the concept of 'plunder' or 'stolen goods', the meaning narrowed in French to specifically denote a type of garment, likely because clothing was a common and valuable part of plunder. This sense of a long, loose garment was then adopted into English.
Analysis
The word 'robe' is a simplex loanword from French. It does not contain separable, meaningful morphemes within its modern English spelling.
Examples
The judge put on her black robe before entering the courtroom.
After his shower, he wrapped himself in a warm, terrycloth robe.
The university professors were robed in colorful academic regalia for the graduation ceremony.