box coat

American  

noun

1. an outer coat with a straight, unfitted back.

2. a heavy overcoat worn by coachmen.

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box coat British  

noun

1. a plain short coat that hangs loosely from the shoulders

2. a heavy overcoat, worn formerly by coachmen

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Etymology

Origin of box coat

First recorded in 1815–25

Example Sentences

In the morning Mr. Logan wore a doeskin box coat with pearl buttons nearly as large as alarm clocks in two rows on it.

From Brann the Iconoclast — Volume 10 by Brann, William Cowper

His English box coat doesn't fit him any better than any other box would.

From Europe Revised by Cobb, Irvin S. (Irvin Shrewsbury)

"Where's Gerald?" he asked as an office-boy relieved him of his heavy box coat and brought his mail to him.

From The Younger Set by Chambers, Robert W. (Robert William)

Mr. Seaton showed us a stout box coat charged ten guineas which was pronounced very cheap, though I cannot but suppose the same might be had at Bolton for £6.

From A Journey to America in 1834 by Heywood, Robert

He was wrapped in an old box coat, part of which had slipped from his shoulder in such a way as to uncover the gold-laced cloak of King Dagobert.

From Four Short Stories By Emile Zola by Zola, Émile