mistress of the robes

1 definition found

mistress of the robes - 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]