dowdy — 1580s (n.), an aukward, ill dressed, inelegant woman [Johnson]; 1670s (adj.), perhaps a dim. of doue poorly dressed woman (early 14c.), of uncertain origin. The modern use of dowd (n.) is most likely a back formation from dowdy. If plaine or… … Etymology dictionary
dowdy — dowdy·ish; dowdy; … English syllables
dowdy — [dou′dē] adj. dowdier, dowdiest [< ME doude, an unattractive woman + Y2] not neat or stylish in dress or appearance; shabby n. pl. dowdies 1. a dowdy woman ☆ 2. PANDOWDY dowdily adv … English World dictionary
Dowdy — Dow dy, a. [Compar. {Dowdier}; superl. {Dowdiest}.] [Scot. dawdie slovenly, daw, da sluggard, drab, Prov. E. dowd flat, dead.] Showing a vulgar taste in dress; awkward and slovenly in dress; vulgar looking. {Dow di*ly}, adv. {Dow di*ness}, n.… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
Dowdy — Dow dy, n.; pl. {Dowdies}. An awkward, vulgarly dressed, inelegant woman. Shak. Dryden. [1913 Webster] … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
dowdy — *slatternly, frowzy, blowsy Analogous words: slovenly, *slipshod, unkempt, disheveled, sloppy Antonyms: smart (in dress, appearance) Contrasted words: fashionable, *stylish, modish, chic: flashy, *gaudy, garish … New Dictionary of Synonyms
dowdy — [adj] poorly dressed; old fashioned antiquated, archaic, baggy, bedraggled, blowsy*, bygone, dated, dingy, drab, dull, frowzy*, frumpy*, homely, moldy, old hat*, outdated, outmoded, out of date, passé, plain, run down, scrubby*, shabby,… … New thesaurus
dowdy — ► ADJECTIVE (dowdier, dowdiest) ▪ (especially of a woman) unfashionable and dull in appearance. DERIVATIVES dowdily adverb dowdiness noun … English terms dictionary
dowdy — I. noun (plural dowdies) Etymology: diminutive of dowd dowdy, from Middle English doude Date: 1581 archaic a dowdy woman II. adjective (dowdier; est) Date: 1676 1. no … New Collegiate Dictionary
Dowdy — Wikipedia does not have an encyclopedia article for Dowdy (search results). You may want to read Wiktionary s entry on dowdy instead.wiktionary:Special:Search/dowdy … Wikipedia