Garderobe

/ˌɡɑrdəˈroʊb/ noun

Definition

A wardrobe or collection of clothes; in medieval castles, a private chamber or closet for clothes and valuables.

Etymology

From French 'garderobe,' literally 'robe-keeping,' from 'garder' (to keep, from Germanic roots) and 'robe' (from Latin). Originally meant a room or closet, it later extended to mean the clothes themselves.

Kelly Says

In medieval castles, the garderobe was often literally the toilet hidden in the walls—yes, the same room sometimes served double duty for keeping expensive clothing AND getting rid of waste, a detail history often leaves out.

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