noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English dressinge, from dressen to dress + -inge -ing
1.
a. : the act or process of one who dresses
b. : an instance of such act or process
2. : something added to a basically complete article or object to decorate, enhance, or lend character or interest: as
a. : a sauce or similar mixture (as mayonnaise) for adding to a certain dish (as a salad)
b. : a seasoned mixture (as of bread, potato, nuts, oysters) used as a stuffing for poultry, meat, or fish or baked separately
c. : an ornamental finish
reconstructed in brick with stone dressings — Nikolaus Pevsner
3. : something used as a cleaning or conditioning agent: as
a. : material (as ointment, gauze) applied to cover a sore, wound, or other lesion — compare pressure dressing
b. : manure, compost, or other material used as a fertilizer — see side-dressing , topdressing
c. : sizing applied to yarns and fabrics usually to make them smooth and firm during manufacturing processes or sometimes to improve their weight and appearance when finished
d. : a substance used to soften, clean, polish, or waterproof leather
4. : dressing down