directoire

1. alternativeAlternative form of Directoire.

alternative directoire

1. historicalThe ruling executive of revolutionary France, from 1795–1799, or the period governed by this body.

comparative more Directoire · superlative most Directoire · alternative directoire

1. Pertaining to a style of dress common during this period, characterised by extravagant, Classically-inspired designs.

   My great-grandmother wore a brief empire bodice, and close-fitting Directoire skirt made of cream silk with a golden stripe running through it.

   1956, Ursula Bloom, Victorian Vinaigrette

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   Leafing through them now, I notice how orderly the early ones are: drawings of boxy Jasper Conran Chanel-esque jackets and gauzy Galliano directoire dresses, annotations on how "Patsy Kensit showed her bum!" at a Westwood show […].

   2009 August 30, Sarah Mower, The Guardian

2. Pertaining to a style of furniture, decoration etc. prevalent during this period.

   The only change was in his hair which he was now wearing in the Directoire style, the points coming down over his forehead.

   1976 September, Saul Bellow, Humboldt’s Gift, New York, N.Y.: Avon Books, →ISBN, page 243

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   They prefer concerts and auctions to canasta and golf, are likely to spend the time their mothers relegated to ladies' luncheons to tracking down a Directoire commode for the foyer, just the right bronze for the living-room mantle.

   1964 December 4, “The New Elegants”, in Time

plural Directoires · alternative directoire

1. An item of clothing in this style.