Dresser

/ˈdrɛsər/ noun

Definition

A piece of bedroom furniture with drawers for storing clothes, or a person who dresses others or arranges displays.

Etymology

From Old French 'dreceur', from 'drecier' meaning to arrange or set up. Originally referred to a kitchen sideboard for preparing food, later extended to bedroom furniture for arranging clothes.

Kelly Says

This word beautifully demonstrates semantic broadening, evolving from a kitchen preparation surface to bedroom storage furniture. The theatrical meaning of 'dresser' as someone who helps actors change costumes connects back to the original sense of 'arranging' and 'preparing.'

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