The official robe of certain professional men and scholars, as university students and officers, barristers, judges, etc.; hence, the dress of peace; the dress of civil officers, in distinction from military
Robe worn by academics to avoid having soup spilt on them at meal-times in Hall Thus, the larger the gown, the more prestigious it is; the more colourful it is, the more meals the owner has been served Also used to refer to the University as in `Town and Gown'