Costumes
/ˈkɒs.tjuːmz/noun
Sets of clothing worn to represent a particular character, period, culture, or style.
Did you know?Costume originally referred to customary dress or fashion before English speakers increasingly used it for theatrical disguises and character clothing.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*s(w)e-
“A reflexive root meaning “of oneself” or “one’s own,” associated with personal identity and customary belonging.”
Classical Latin
Latin
consuescere
“To become accustomed or habituated; formed from con- (“together”) and a root connected with becoming familiar.”
Classical Latin
Latin
consuetudo
“Custom, habit, customary practice, or established manner of living.”
13th–14th Century
Italian
costume
“Custom, usage, or customary dress; later, a distinctive style of clothing.”
16th Century
French
costume
“Custom, fashion, or dress, borrowed from Italian.”
17th Century
English
costume
“Clothing characteristic of a particular country, period, or character.”
Modern English
English
costumes
“Plural garments used for representation, performance, disguise, ceremony, or cultural presentation.”