CLOTHES HORSE Meaning and
Definition
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A clothes horse refers to a portable, freestanding device or rack used for drying or hanging clothes. It typically consists of a collapsible frame with several horizontal bars or rungs, providing ample space to hang clothing items such as shirts, blouses, dresses, pants, and more. Clothes horses are often found in laundry rooms, bedrooms, or any designated area for drying wet or damp clothes, acting as a temporary substitute for outdoor clotheslines or when space is limited.
Typically made of lightweight materials like wood, metal, or plastic, clothes horses usually feature a foldable design, allowing users to easily set them up and take them down when not in use. The bars or rungs are evenly spaced to facilitate proper air circulation around clothing, aiding in the drying process. Some clothes horses may have additional features like extendable wings or adjustable heights, providing extra hanging space and versatility.
The term "clothes horse" can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who has an excessive interest in fashion or clothes. In this context, it refers to an individual who is passionate about acquiring and displaying stylish or trendy garments, often seen as a fashion-savvy or a fashionista. This figurative usage of the term is derived from the notion that a clothes horse metaphorically "carries" or constantly wears fashionable clothes, showcasing their interest and dedication to the world of fashion.
Common Misspellings for CLOTHES HORSE
- xlothes horse
- vlothes horse
- flothes horse
- dlothes horse
- ckothes horse
- cpothes horse
- coothes horse
- clithes horse
- clkthes horse
- cllthes horse
- clpthes horse
- cl0thes horse
- cl9thes horse
- clorhes horse
- clofhes horse
- cloghes horse
- cloyhes horse
- clo6hes horse
- clo5hes horse
- clotges horse
Etymology of CLOTHES HORSE
The term "clothes horse" is believed to have originated in the late 19th century in English, combining the words "clothes" and "horse". However, the exact etymology of this phrase is unclear.
One theory suggests that it may have derived from the earlier term "clothes rack", which referred to a simple wooden or metal frame used for hanging clothes. Over time, the usage could have evolved to "clothes horse" due to the resemblance of the frame to a sawhorse or trestle used to support timber during woodworking.
Another theory proposes that the term may have been influenced by the image of a horse standing with its legs spread wide apart, similar to the stance of a clothes horse with extended arms. This association could have led to the adoption of the term "clothes horse" to describe a person who frequently changes outfits or dry clothes on such a frame.
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