Definitions
from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.
- verb Present participle of
dress down .
from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.
- noun a severe scolding
Etymologies
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Examples
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reesetee commented on the word dressing down
From a nautical term. Worn sails were often "dressed down"--treated with oil or wax--to renew their effectiveness. The term eventually came to refer to the reprimand or scolding of an officer or sailor.
December 11, 2007
chained_bear commented on the word dressing down
... presumably to renew his effectiveness...
December 11, 2007
reesetee commented on the word dressing down
Yep. That oughta show him!
December 11, 2007