academic gown
1
5.3
- noun
- /ˌækəˈdɛmɪk ɡaʊn/
- Formal
:
toga
- As she walked across the stage, the academic gown flowed elegantly behind her, signifying the importance of the moment.
- academic gown and cap
Examples
-
In an inconspicuous corner closet, built into the paneling, I found an academic gown with a label sewn inside that identified it as a gift from a prior Eastman Professor, with apologies for the fact that it was fashioned more in a Cambridge than in an Oxford mode.
Academic text (1999) -
The old English teacher, in his academic gown, shook the hand of Dr. Barnstable, climbed into the pulpit, and thanked the headmaster for his very gracious words.
Fiction book (1992) -
When should I wear an academic gown?
Academic text (1999) -
He saw the black cap, the black academic gown, and the white hood.
Fiction book (1991) -
A slight man of average height, in academic gown, reserved almost to the point of shyness, he rarely looks at his class.
Academic text (1993) -
The academic gowns swish through the atrium.
Fiction book (1997) -
They were both wearing bulky royal blue academic gowns and mortarboards.
Fiction book (1999) -
I later learned that the "Eastman At Home" reception was the social event that inaugurated Balliol's academic year, and that academic gowns were required because the Vice Chancellor of the University—its chief executive officer—would be present.
Academic text (1999) -
During the graduation ceremony, all the graduates proudly wore their academic gowns while receiving their diplomas.
-
The professor looked distinguished in his black academic gown as he delivered the keynote speech at the university convocation.
Synonyms
284
1.3
A long loose piece of clothing worn at ceremonies by judges or graduates
192
2.5
A long formal robe like those worn at graduations or in court
A long loose gown worn by professors or judges on special occasions like graduation ceremonies
A formal robe and cap that university teachers and students wear at ceremonies like graduations
A long robe worn by church or university officials for formal events
A plain black robe worn by Protestant church ministers for services and graduation ceremonies
How Formal
- Formal
1
5.3
5
3.2
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'a long, loose robe worn on formal academic occasions' is directly and transparently derivable from combining 'academic' (pertaining to universities/education) with 'gown' (a long formal garment). This adjective + noun composition follows standard, cross-linguistic naming patterns, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would readily infer the MWE meaning.
Etymology
Academic gown comes from medieval times when teachers and students were often church clerks and wore long, loose gowns to keep warm in cold stone halls. Those robes became a sign of learning and rank, so today wearing an academic gown marks a 'formal' university event and shows a person's place in the school.