Dictionary

cover-slut en · NOUN

Pronunciation

• /ˈkʌvəslʌt/ (Received-Pronunciation)
• /ˈkʌvɚslʌt/ (General-American)

Etymology

From cover + slut (“slovenly, untidy person”).

Meanings

1. (obsolete) An apron or pinafore, worn to hide slovenliness (such as dirt, stains, or tears) in the clothing beneath.
   • The Irish cloak forms very graceful drapery; the material falls well, and folds well. It is usually large enough to envelop the whole person; and the hood is frequently drawn forward to shield the face of the wearer from sun, rain, or wind. Yet we would fain see its general use dispensed with. A female in the lower ranks of life cares but little for the other portions of her dress if she has "a good cloak;" and certainly her ordinary appearance would be more thought of, if the huge "cover-slut" were not always at hand to hide dilapidations in her other garments. 1846, Samuel Carter Hall, Ann Kent Hall, “Kildare”, in Ireland: Its Scenery, Character &c., volume 2, footnote, page 272:
   • Nor let your women there appear / With dirty ſmock-ſleeves, foul head-geare, / With Cover-ſlut from Neck to Toe, / As Maids to morning Lectures go. 1678, John Phillips, “Book V”, in Maronides, or, Virgil Travesty, page 15:
2. (broadly, figuratively, obsolete) Any surface appearance hiding something underneath.
   • Fie, madam, you'll ruin the sex! Husband, say ye? A mere thing—a cover-slut of custom! 1690, John Wilson, Belphegor, act 2, scene 3; republished in The Dramatic Works of John Wilson, Edinburgh: William Paterson, 1874, page 320:

Forms

Descendants

kabaslot (loose-fitting dress)

Relateds

cover-shame