surtout

[ ser-too, -toot; French syr-too ]

noun

, plural sur·touts [ser-, tooz, -, toots, s, y, r, -, too].

1. a man's close-fitting overcoat, especially a frock coat.
2. a hood with a mantle, worn by women.

surtout

/ ˈsɜːtuː; syrtu /

noun

1. a man's overcoat resembling a frock coat, popular in the late 19th century

Word History and Origins

Origin of surtout¹

1680–90; < French: literally, over all, equivalent to sur upon, on ( sur- ¹ ) + tout everything

Word History and Origins

Origin of surtout¹

C17: from French, from sur over + tout all

Example Sentences

The highlight of the show is an elaborate “surtout de table” centerpiece designed for Napoleon Bonaparte, who is believed to have commissioned it as a wedding gift for his stepson.

From Washington Times

This money was divided between the owner of the horse and the rider, and Johnny bought himself spurs, boots, and a fur-lined surtout, all second hand.

From Literature

I then went home, took my boots and surtout, went to the north part of the town, where I kept a boat; two friends rowed me across Charles River.

From Project Gutenberg

That is Cooper with the blue surtout buttoned up to his throat, and his hat over his eyes.

From Project Gutenberg

And so he buttoned up the breast of his surtout, and put on his gloves, after pulling them off very suddenly,—and began to walk, very energetically, about the deck of the little packet.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• parka
• raincoat