dressing boxn.
/ˈdrɛsɪŋ ˌbɒks/, U.S. /ˈdrɛsɪŋ ˌbɑks/ Now chiefly historical.
A box designed to hold toiletries and articles for personal grooming (such as cosmetics, lotions, combs, etc.), typically fitted with compartments for easy access or transport.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > cleanness and dirtiness > cleaning > cleaning or cleanliness of the person > [noun] > bag or case for toilet utensils
dressing box1607
toilet1728
toilet box1729
dressing case1778
toilet case1807
wet pack1928
Dopp kit1937
the mind > attention and judgement > beautification > beautification of the person > beautification of the skin or complexion > [noun] > sets and containers for
dressing box1607
toileta1684
dressing case1778
service1851
toiletry1892
powder bowl1894
vanity bag1907
vanity-box1911
powder compact1920
compact1921
vanity set1930
flapjack1934
minaudière1940
1607 B. Barnes Divils Charter iv. iii. sig. H Bring me some mixtures and my dressing boxes.
1669 J. Dryden Wild Gallant iii. i. 37 A fine bred Woman, with a Lute, and a Dressing-box.
1714 London Gaz. No. 5214/3 Dressing Glasses, Union Suits, Dressing Boxes.
1788 Calcutta Chron. 21 Feb. To be sold..Dressing-boxes.
1832 M. R. Mitford Our Village V. 26 He sports a dressing-box..full of almond paste and violet soap.
1875 Irish Law Times 5 June 296/1 In one of them was a dressing box containing jewellery of great value.
1960 Times 16 Mar. (Canberra Suppl.) p. iv/3 It is clearly indefensible to rummage in the designer's dressing-box.
2005 Financial Times 18 Dec. w8 A handmade gentleman's dressing box so luxurious it would make Pandora gasp.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2018; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.1607