costume

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B2 — Upper-Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun the attire worn in a play or at a fancy dress ball
  2. noun unusual or period attire not characteristic of or appropriate to the time and place
  3. noun the prevalent fashion of dress (including accessories and hair style as well as garments)

Etymology

Borrowed from French costume, from Italian costume, from Latin consuētūdō (“custom, habit”). Doublet of consuetude, custom, and kastom. Verb circa 1802, perhaps modelled on French costumer.

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