I. ˈdau̇-dē noun
( plural dowd·ies )
Etymology: diminutive of dowd dowdy, from Middle English doude
Date: 1581
archaic : a dowdy woman
II. adjective
( dowd·i·er ; -est )
Date: 1676
1. : not neat or becoming in appearance : shabby
a dowdy old hat
2.
a. : lacking smartness or taste
a dowdy room
b. : old-fashioned
a dowdy institution
• dowd·i·ly ˈdau̇-də-lē adverb
• dowd·i·ness ˈdau̇-dē-nəs noun
• dowdy·ish -ish adjective
III. noun
Etymology: origin unknown
Date: 1936
: pandowdy