himation

noun

hi·​mat·​i·​on hi-ˈma-tē-ˌän How to pronounce himation (audio)
-ən
: a rectangular cloth draped over the left shoulder and about the body and worn as a garment in ancient Greece

Word History

Etymology

Greek, diminutive of heimat-, heima garment; akin to Greek hennynai to clothe — more at wear

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of himation was in 1850

Dictionary Entries Near himation

Cite this Entry

“Himation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/himation. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on himation

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!