I. ˈdres verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French drescer, dresser to direct, put right, Vulgar Latin * directiare, from Latin directus direct, past participle of dirigere to direct, from dis- + regere to lead straight — more at right
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
1.
a. : to make or set straight
b. : to arrange (as troops) in a straight line and at proper intervals
2. : to prepare for use or service ; specifically : to prepare for cooking or for the table
dress a salad
3. : to add decorative details or accessories to : embellish
4.
a. : to put clothes on
dress a child
b. : to provide with clothing
feed and dress a growing family
5. archaic : dress down
6.
a. : to apply dressings or medicaments to
dress a wound
b.
(1) : to arrange (as the hair) by combing, brushing, or curling
(2) : to groom and curry (an animal)
c. : to kill and prepare for market or for consumption — often used with out
d. : cultivate , tend ; especially : to apply manure or fertilizer to
dress a field
e. : to put through a finishing process ; especially : to trim and smooth the surface of (as lumber or stone)
intransitive verb
1.
a. : to put on clothing
b. : to put on or wear formal, elaborate, or fancy clothes
dress for dinner
2. of a food animal : to weigh after being dressed — often used with out
3. : to align oneself with the next soldier in a line to make the line straight
•
- dress ship
II. noun
Date: 1606
1. : apparel , clothing
2. : an outer garment (as for a woman or girl) usually consisting of a one-piece bodice and skirt
3. : covering, adornment, or appearance appropriate or peculiar to a particular time
4. : a particular form of presentation : guise
III. adjective
Date: 1767
1. : suitable for a formal occasion
dress clothes
dress shoes
2. : requiring or permitting formal dress
a dress affair
3. : relating to or used for a dress
dress material