Definition of the word frock coat

The term "frock coat" originated during the early 1800s in England as a description for a type of formal men's clothing. The word "frock" came from the Old French word "franche" which means "unrestricted" or "free." This term was applied to loose-fitting, unstructured garments worn by both men and women as everyday clothing. The frock coat, also known as a tailcoat, was a more formal version of the frock, designed to be worn as a dress coat for formal occasions. It featured a single-breasted design with a single row of buttons, a long, straight skirt, and a waistcoat. The coat was typically made of a suitably formal fabric such as wool or tweed, and it was often lined in silk or satin to give it a rich, luxurious feel. The frock coat reached the height of its popularity during the mid-19th century, particularly in England and the United States. It remained in fashion through the Victorian era and into the early 20th century, when it began to fall out of favor as more modern styles emerged. Today, the frock coat is primarily seen as a historical artifact and is often worn as part of a period costume. In summary, the term "frock coat" can be traced back to the early 1800s, when the loose-fitting, unrestricted garment known as a frock was adapted into a more formal dress coat. The name "frock coat" reflects the origins of the garment, as a loose, unrestricted variation of the looser everyday garment worn by both men and women.