A Robe Was Loot Before It Was Clothing
A robe is a long loose garment. Its root means plunder, and so does the word rob.
A robe is a long, loose outer garment, especially a ceremonial one. It shares a root with *rob*: a Germanic word for booty, because clothing was among the most valuable things taken in a raid. The plundered garment gave its name to the garment in general. That is also why *wardrobe* means a place to guard robes, from *ward*, to guard, plus *robe*. Judges' and academics' robes preserve everyday medieval dress that ordinary clothing left behind.
- A long garment. *A judge's robe.*
- A dressing gown. *A bath robe.*
- To dress. *Robed in white.*
- Wardrobe — a robe store. *A wardrobe.*
- Germanic — booty. *The root.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | robe | A robe. |
| Plural | robes | Robes. |
| Verb | robe | Robed. |
| Compound | wardrobe | A wardrobe. |
| Related | rob | To rob. |
- The judge wore scarlet robes.Ceremony.
- Robe and rob share a root.Etymology.
- Wardrobe means robe-guard.Compound.
Clothing words from plunder and trade
- Robe — from a word for booty
- Wardrobe — a place to guard robes
- Denim — *de Nîmes*, from the French city
- Jeans — from Genoa
- Damask — from Damascus
Old French *robe*, from a Germanic word meaning booty or spoils, related to English *rob*.
Are robe and rob related?
Yes. Both come from a Germanic word for plunder, since clothing was among the most valuable spoils of a raid.
What does wardrobe literally mean?
A place to guard robes, from ward, to guard, plus robe.