Chemise

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ʃəˈmiːz/

Origin

From Middle English, from Anglo-Norman chemés ("shirt"), Old French chainse, chamisae ("linen clothes, undergarment"), from Latin camisa, camisia ("shirt, undergarment, nightgown"), from Proto-Germanic *hamiþiją ("clothes, shirt, skirt"), from Proto-Indo-European *ḱam- ("cover, clothes"). Cognate with Old High German hemidi ("shirt") (German Hemd), Old English hemeþe ("shirt"), ham ("undergarment"), hama ("covering, dress, garment"). More at hame.

Full definition of chemise

Noun

1. (historical) A loose shirtlike undergarment, especially for women.
2. A short nightdress, or similar piece of lingerie.
3. A woman's dress that fits loosely; a chemise dress.
4. A wall that lines the face of a bank or earthwork.

Derived terms

• chemisette

Anagrams

• schemie