Q.
Who knew there were so many words for cloak-like overgarments. What are some lesser-known or historic cloak words?

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A.

Abolla
A thick, woollen cloak worn in Ancient Rome.

Artois
A loose, long cloak favoured by European women in the 18^th Century.

Capuchin
A cloak with a hood, traditionally associated with women. In his 1773 Dictionary of the English Language, Samuel Johnson describes the capuchin as: ‘A female garment, consisting of a cloak and hood, made in imitation of the dress of capuchin monks, whence its name is derived’.

Capote
A thigh-length, heavy wrap covering worn sashed in the 17^th Century, first by the Métis, then by French Canadians. The warm, blanket-like fabric is strongly associated with the Hudson’s Bay Company and its ‘Point Blanket Coats’.

Chlamys
A short cloak, fastened at the shoulder, commonly made of wool and worn by men in Ancient Greece.

Cottage Cloak
A cloak with a hood that ties under the chin.

Cowl
A long, hooded cloak.

Mantle
A loose cloak.

Mantelet
A notably short cloak, historically worn by women.

Manteau
A loose cloak.

Opera Cloak
A fancy cloak fashioned from expensive material and worn over evening wear.

Pelerine
A 19^th Century cape, often made with lace or silk. Features long, pointy ends draping down over the front of the body.

Roquelaure
A knee-length cloak with a statement collar and, often, a bright silk lining. Popular with European men in the 18^th Century.

Sagum
A thick wool cloak of a square or rectangular shape, fastened at the right shoulder. Worn by Roman soldiers.

Shoulderette
A short shawl or shrug, with the ends sometimes shaped into half-sleeves.

Talma
A short, voluminous cloak.

Visite
A light-weight short cloak favoured by 19^th Century women in summer.

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Header: Sofonisba Anguissola. Portrait of Prince Alessandro Farnese (1545-1592), later Duke of Parma and Piacenza. 1560