Clothing worn to portray a character or represent a particular period, profession, or culture, especially in theatrical performances or celebrations.
From Italian costume meaning 'custom, fashion, dress', from Latin consuetudo 'custom, habit'. The theatrical sense developed in the 18th century, emphasizing clothing as a means of character representation and cultural expression.
The elaborate costumes in Elizabethan theater were often worth more than the theaters themselves, with some single garments costing the equivalent of a house. Today's movie costume designers use the same psychological principles, knowing that clothing can instantly communicate character traits to audiences.
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