mantua

(mantyo̵̅o̅ ə, -to̵̅o̅ ə)

noun

a mantle or loose gown or cloak formerly worn by women

Origin: altered (after Mantua) < Fr manteau < OFr mantel, mantle

commune in Lombardy, N Italy: birthplace of Virgil: pop. 52,000
It. name Mantova

Related Forms:

See mantua in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
A woman's garment of the 17th and 18th centuries consisting of a bodice and full skirt cut from a single length of fabric, with the skirt designed to part in front to reveal a contrasting underskirt.

Origin:

Origin: Alteration (influenced by Mantua)

Origin: of manteau

.

A city of northern Italy south-southwest of Verona. Originally an Etruscan settlement, it was ceded to Austria in 1714 and was finally returned to Italy in 1866. Population: 47,800.

Related Forms:

  • Manˈtu·an adjective & n.

Learn more about mantua

link/cite print suggestion box