smock

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a loose coverall (coat or frock) reaching down to the ankles
  2. verb embellish by sewing in straight lines crossing each other diagonally

Etymology

From Middle English smok, from Old English smocc, smoc, from Proto-Germanic *smukkaz (“something slipped into”). Akin to Old High German smocho, Icelandic smokkur, and from the root of Old English smugan (“to creep”), akin to German schmiegen (“to cling to, press close”). Middle High German smiegen, Icelandic smjúga (“to creep through, to put on a garment which has a hole to put the head through”); compare with Lithuanian smukti (“to glide”). See also smug, smuggle.

In classic literature

Synonyms

duster, gaberdine, gabardine, dust coat

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