SMOCK

loose, shirtlike garment worn by women in the European Middle Ages under their gowns (also called a chemise). The smock later became a loose, yoked, shirtlike outer garment of coarse linen, used to protect the clothes; it was worn, for example, by fieldworkers in Europe. Modern smocks are loose, lightweight, sleeved garments, often worn to protect the clothes while working. Smocks have also become popular garments for expectant mothers.