pouf

pouf · noun, verb¹

1. French · derived frompouf
2. English todaypouf

From French pouf, pouff, of imitative origin; compare puff.

pouf · interjection²

Imitative.

First known use, by meaning

• from 18th c. A headdress for women popular in 18th century France.
• from 19th c. A high hair style for women consisting of a roll or pad of hair, worn up.
• from 19th c. Part of an item of clothing consisting of gathered fabric in a bunch.
• from 19th c. A low cushioned seat with no back; a padded footstool.
• from 20th c. A short skirt gathered into a rounded puffy shape; a puffball.