hope chest

noun

1. (especially formerly) a chest or the like in which a young woman collected clothing, linens, and other articles in anticipation of marriage.

hope chest

noun

1. a young woman's collection of clothes, linen, cutlery, etc, in anticipation of marriage Also called (esp in Britain)bottom drawer

Word History and Origins

Origin of hope chest¹

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

"This is my room and this is my Hope Chest," she said proudly.

From Project Gutenberg

Why, any girl would be glad to start a hope-chest with this, laughed Ruth.

From Project Gutenberg

When the girl leaves the old nest for one of her own building the Hope Chest goes with her as a valuable portion of her dowry.

From Project Gutenberg

It used to be the practice for each young girl to have a "hope chest" into which she put linens, etc., against the wedding day.

From Project Gutenberg

There's a fine place for the cage in my room—on my hope chest.

From Project Gutenberg