n. & v.
n. 1 a long loose outer garment. 2 esp. US a dressing-gown. 3 a baby's outer garment esp. at a christening. 4 (often in pl.) a long outer garment worn as an indication of the wearer's rank, office, profession, etc.; a gown or vestment. 5 US a blanket or wrap of fur.
v. 1 tr. clothe (a person) in a robe; dress. 2 intr. put on one's robes or vestments.
[ ME f. OF f. Gmc (as ROB, orig. sense 'booty') ]