himation

9.9

A large rectangular cloth worn over the body in ancient Greece

noun
/hɪˈmeɪʃən/

Archaic

: himatión

In ancient Greece, philosophers often draped their himation while discussing ideas in the agora.

Examples

Compared to most of Raphael's figures (such as Plato and Aristotle), who are rather richly dressed, this man, with his simple, bare-shouldered himation, gives the impression of far more modest tastes.

Academic text (1995)
As the temperatures dropped, he wrapped his himation around himself for warmth.
She wore a flowing himation that billowed gracefully as she walked through the marketplace.

Synonyms

cloak

vshimation

61 3.2

A loose outer coat that fastens at the neck and hangs down the back

is a large Greek rectangular wrap rather than a sleeveless fastened garment

hooded cloak

vshimation

1 4.1

A long coat with a hood that you pull over your head

is a rectangular Greek outer wrap without an attached head covering

amice

vshimation

Archaic

9.9

An old cloak worn over the shoulders for warmth

is a specific large rectangular Greek outer wrap rather than any archaic cover

pallium

vshimation

Archaic

9.9

A wool cloak worn over the shoulders by men in ancient Rome

is the Greek rectangular outer wrap, not the Roman draped mantle

panniculus

vshimation

Archaic

9.9

A small cloth used to wrap people or objects

is a large rectangular Greek outer wrap rather than a small cloth covering

Surface Forms

himation singular

himations plural

Etymology

The word himation comes from ancient Greek himation, which meant 'cloth' or 'garment' and was a large rectangular wrap people wore over their tunics. So a himation is the big cloak or shawl that ancient Greeks used as an outer garment.