Definition

A sleeveless garment worn over a dress or shirt, typically fastened at the back and featuring a bib front and pockets. Historically worn by children and domestic workers; now primarily a fashion or costume piece.

Example Usage

The young actress wore a crisp white pinafore in her role as the Victorian maid.

Origin

From 'pin afore,' literally 'pinned in front,' referring to how the garment was originally fastened with pins rather than buttons or ties.

Fun Fact

Gilbert and Sullivan's 1878 operetta 'H.M.S. Pinafore' immortalized the term in popular culture, though the ship's name refers to its decorative stern (pinafore) rather than the garment itself.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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