Watteau back

noun

1. a loose, full back of a woman's gown, formed by wide box pleats hanging from a high shoulder yoke and extending to the hem in an unbroken line.

Watteau back

noun

1. a section at the back of a woman's dress that is caught in pleats or gathers at the neck and falls unbelted to the floor

Word History and Origins

Origin of Watteau back¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; after a type of gown depicted in paintings by Watteau

Example Sentences

“From the front it looks like a classic dress but once she turned around you saw that amazing draped Watteau back. It’s an 18th-century style named after the painter,” he explained.

From Washington Times

"From the front it looks like a classic dress but once she turned around you saw that amazing draped Watteau back. It's an 18th-century style named after the painter," he explained.

From US News

Marion Cotillard was one of the first to walk the red carpet in a polka dot cutout Christian Dior Haute Couture dress with a Watteau back.

From Forbes

It is cut low in the neck, and has those sleeves which open above the elbow, and a watteau back.

From Project Gutenberg

I told Mademoiselle Leroe to make it in that style; that little watteau back is so very becoming to small girls.

From Project Gutenberg