Dictionary

outdress en · VERB

Etymology

From out- + dress.

Meanings

1. (transitive) To dress better than.
   • Our new Governor’s daughter wore a simple gown of rich white satin. It is consoling to know that the new Governoress and her daughters don’t show symptoms of rushing us into unlimited extravagance in our efforts to keep pace with their millinery, and in this they earn the gratitude of every sensible woman who sees something more in daily life than a mad endeavour to outdress her neighbour. 1895 November 30, Peggy, “Woman’s Column”, in The Freeman’s Journal, volume XLVI, number 2699, Sydney, N.S.W., page 9, column 2:
   • “Martin dressed in head-to-toe Burberry and made fun of everyone else who tried to outdress him. 2009 March 8, Maura Egan, “Con Artist”, in New York Times:

Forms