guimpe: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Specialized, Historical, Ecclesiastical
Quick answer
What does “guimpe” mean?
A garment worn by women under a pinafore, a chemisette, or a dress.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A garment worn by women under a pinafore, a chemisette, or a dress; a high-necked blouse or under-bodice, often of fine white fabric, covering the neck and shoulders.
In a religious context, a white piece of fabric covering the chest and neck worn by some nuns as part of a habit. In historical fashion, an ornamental piece of fabric or lace inserted at the neckline of a bodice.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant regional differences in usage, as the term is equally rare and specialized in both variants.
Connotations
Connotes historical, ecclesiastical, or period-specific attire.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both varieties. Likely only encountered in specialized texts.
Grammar
How to Use “guimpe” in a Sentence
The nun adjusted her [guimpe].Her dress featured a lace [guimpe].A high-necked [guimpe] was worn underneath.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
No usage.
Academic
Used in historical fashion studies, textiles research, and religious studies.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Used in costume design, historical reenactment, and ecclesiastical tailoring.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “guimpe”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “guimpe”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “guimpe”
- Pronouncing it as /ɡwaɪmp/ (like 'gripe').
- Using it to refer to any high-necked shirt.
- Spelling it as 'gimp'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a highly specialized term from fashion history and religious vestments, unknown to most general English speakers.
They are very similar, often synonymous. A chemisette is generally a lace or muslin filler for a dress neckline, while a guimpe can refer more specifically to the high-necked under-bodice of a nun's habit.
In British English, it is typically pronounced /ɡæ̃p/, similar to the French origin. In American English, it is often anglicized to /ɡɪmp/ (rhyming with 'limp').
Only in a historical or复古 context to describe a design feature reminiscent of that specific garment. It is not used for contemporary clothing items.
A garment worn by women under a pinafore, a chemisette, or a dress.
Guimpe is usually specialized, historical, ecclesiastical in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
GUIMPE sounds like 'gimp' – think of a stiff, structured piece of fabric used to give shape, like a GUIMPE does to a nun's habit.
Conceptual Metaphor
A guimpe is a FRAME, structuring and defining the presentation of the upper body and neckline.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would you most likely encounter the word 'guimpe'?