1. A costume arranged according to the wearer’s fancy, usually representing some fictitious or historical character. Also attrib. infancy dress ball.
1770. Mad. D’Arblay, Early Diary, 10 Jan. I was soon found out by Miss Lalause, who is a fine girl, about sixteen … she had on a fancy dress … much in the style of mine.
a. 1831. Macaulay, Life & Lett. (1883), I. 225. The fancy-dresses were worn almost exclusively by the young people.
2. A dress with ornamental trimming.
1826. Disraeli, Viv. Grey, I. i. For the first five years of his life, Master Vivian, with his curly locks and his fancy dress, was the pride of his own, and the envy of all neighbouring establishments.
