[a. F. fichu, app. a subst. use of fichu adj. in the sense ‘carelessly thrown on.’] A triangular piece of some light fabric, worn by ladies, now as a covering for the neck, throat, and shoulders, formerly also for the head.
1803. Morning Chron., in Spirit Pub. Jrnls. (1804), VII. 17. Must there be a particular act, regulating every piece of dress, with a schedule annexed?… We should read in the newspapers of nothing but of the Fichu Bill being committed; the Landau Bill being reported; the Smock Bill being sent to the Lords; [etc.].
1824. Ladies Monthly Museum, July, XX. 54. Bonnets of white sarsnet are tied down with a fichu.
1825. Ibid., June, XXI. 347. The mantelet cap for the theatre, is very elegant; it is of white gauze, the front ornamented with fichu points, bound with white satin, among which are interspersed full-blown summer roses.
1826. Ibid., March, XXIII. 171. A small fichu is thrown carelessly over the neck.
1832. Mrs. F. Trollope, Dom. Mann. Amer., xvii. (1834), 146. A scarlet fichu relieved the sombre colour of her dress.
1877. Mar. M. Grant, Sun-Maid, ii. Across her shoulders she wore a fichu of fine lace.
