Wardrobe
/ˈwɔːrdroʊb/noun
A tall cupboard or cabinet in which clothes may be hung or stored.
Did you know?The word 'wardrobe' comes from ancient roots meaning 'to guard' and 'clothes', hinting at a protective magic over possessions.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*wer-
“to cover or protect, suggesting a sense of guarding.”
Old English
Old English
weard
“guard or protector, emphasizing the safeguarding aspect.”
Old English
Old English
robb
“clothes, emphasizing what the 'ward' is protecting.”
Middle English
Middle English
warderobe
“a place for storing clothing, literally a protective clothing space.”
Modern English
English
wardrobe
“a large cabinet or closet for storing clothes, maintaining the sense of protection.”