dowdy

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun British marshal of the RAF who commanded the British air defense forces that defeated the Luftwaffe during the Battle of Britain (1882-1970)
  2. noun deep-dish apple dessert covered with a rich crust
  3. adjective lacking in smartness or taste

Etymology

First appears c. 1581. Origin uncertain, probably literally "little poorly dressed woman," formed from doue, "poorly dressed woman". Possibly also related to the Scots dow, meaning to "fade".

In classic literature

Synonyms

Dowding, Hugh Dowding, Baron Hugh Caswall Tremenheere Dowding

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