A Regency glossary
In my books, I often refer to Regency clothing or transport, so if you've ever wondered what a pelisse is, or what a barouche is, this is the page that will tell you!
Bandeau
A narrow band used to confine the hair, or sometimes a band used on a dress for decorative purposes
Barouche
A four wheeled horse drawn carriage. There were two seats facing forwards and two seats facing backwards in the main part of the carriage, behind the driver.
Bonnet
A bonnet is a type of hat with strings or ribbons that are tied under the chin, or sometimes, at a jaunty angle
Cambric
A very fine linen used for making dresses or shirts
Cashmere
Sometimes spelt Kashmir. A very soft fabric made from the fleece of a mountain goat. Cashmere shawls were very popular and were frequently decorated round the edges, for example with the popular pine pattern.
Chemise
An undergarment, like a long, loose petticoat with short sleeves, which was worn under the corset.
Drawers
An early form of knickers, they had legs down to the knees and were worn under the petticoat and corset.
Empire line
Empire line dresses had high waists and narrow skirts.
Muff
A tube of fur, feathers etc which was hung round the neck from a ribbon or similar cord. Used, as well as gloves, for keeping the hands warm in winter.
Muslin
A very fine cotton fabric, it was mainly used to make dresses.
Nankeen
A sturdy, yellowish brown fabric used for men's work breeches.
Pantalettes
An undergarment rather like a fine pair of trousers covered in ruffles. They were designed to be seen beneath the skirt.
Parasol
A small umbrella used for keeping the sun off a lady's face so that she could retain her fashionably pale complexion.
Pelisse
A coat of any length between mid thigh and mid ankle. The woman on the right is wearing a yellow pelisse.
Petticoat
This could be an undergarment, not intended to be seen, or to a kind of underskirt that was meant to be seen when the overskirt was split and pulled back at the sides.
Phaeton
A four-wheeled horse-drawn carriage, usually with two seats. In Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth promises her Aunt a trip round the Pemberley estate in a phaeton and pair.
Reticule
A small drawstring bag with long strings that could be looped over the arm, it was used to carry a handkerchief, smelling salts etc, rather like a modern handbag
Redingote
The word redingote is a French corruption of 'riding coat'. In the 1780s it was a double breasted man's coat, but later the word became used for a long, fitted woman's coat.
Rouleau
A tube of fabric, lightly stuffed, sewn to the hem of a dress as decoration. It was a popular trim when dresses became more elaborate towards the end of the Regency
Sarsenet
A fine fabric made in such a way that it changed shades subtly as it moved. Often used for dresses.
Sash
A long strip of material, often made of ribbon, which was tied around the high waist of a gown to add colour.
Shift
A long, straight petticoat. The word 'shift' was considered common, and would probably be used by a maid, whereas a young lady would call it a chemise.
Spencer
A short jacket with long sleeves which was fitted to the body and reached to just below the bust
Tilbury
A light, open, two-wheeled carriage.
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