from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Dressing \Dress"ing\, n.
1. Dress; raiment; especially, ornamental habiliment or
attire. --B. Jonson.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Surg.) An application (a remedy, bandage, etc.) to cover
a sore or wound. --Wiseman.
[1913 Webster]
3. Manure or compost over land. When it remains on the
surface, it is called a top-dressing.
[1913 Webster]
4. (Cookery)
(a) A preparation, such as a sauce, to flavor food for
eating; a condiment; as, a dressing for salad.
(b) The stuffing of fowls, pigs, etc.; forcemeat.
[1913 Webster]
5. Gum, starch, and the like, used in stiffening or finishing
silk, linen, and other fabrics.
[1913 Webster]
6. An ornamental finish, as a molding around doors, windows,
or on a ceiling, etc.
[1913 Webster]
7. Castigation; scolding; -- often with down. [Colloq.]
[1913 Webster]
{Dressing case}, a case of toilet utensils.
{Dressing forceps}, a variety of forceps, shaped like a pair
of scissors, used in dressing wounds.
{Dressing gown}, a light gown, such as is used by a person
while dressing; a study gown.
{Dressing room}, an apartment appropriated for making one's
toilet.
{Top-dressing}, manure or compost spread over land and not
worked into the soil.
[1913 Webster]