from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Robe \Robe\, n. [F., fr. LL. rauba a gown, dress, garment;
originally, booty, plunder. See {Rob}, v. t., and cf.
{Rubbish}.]
1. An outer garment; a dress of a rich, flowing, and elegant
style or make; hence, a dress of state, rank, office, or
the like.
[1913 Webster]
Through tattered clothes small vices do appear;
Robes and furred gowns hide all. --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
2. A skin of an animal, especially, a skin of the bison,
dressed with the fur on, and used as a wrap. [U.S.]
[1913 Webster]
{Master of the robes}, an officer of the English royal
household (when the sovereign is a king) whose duty is
supposed to consist in caring for the royal robes.
{Mistress of the robes}, a lady who enjoys the highest rank
of the ladies in the service of the English sovereign
(when a queen), and is supposed to have the care her
robes.
[1913 Webster]