drape — English Dictionary

Noun

1. A curtain; a drapery.

2. The way in which fabric falls or hangs.

   Examples

   The herringbone-twill sample is soft and smooth, with an easy drape that allows the fabric to move beautifully.

3. A member of a youth subculture distinguished by its sharp dress, especially peg-leg pants (1950s: e.g. Baltimore, MD). Antonym: square.

   Usage

   • US usage

4. A dress made from an entire piece of cloth, without having pieces cut away as in a fitted garment.

Verb

1. To cover or adorn with drapery or folds of cloth, or as with drapery.

   Usage

   • Transitive

   Examples

   to drape a bust, a building, etc.

   The whole people were still draped professionally.

   More examples (2)

   These starry blossoms, pure and white, / Soft falling, falling, through the night, / Have draped the woods and mere.

   The pair sat before a brilliant gold Buddha statue inside the ornate temple, built 150 years ago by the former Thai King – the supreme patriarch barefoot and draped in orange robes as they spoke.

2. To spread over, cover.

   Usage

   • Transitive

   Examples

   I draped my towel over the radiator to dry.

   I cycled the three miles each morning between hedges draped with spangled cobwebs and berried bryony.

3. To rail at; to banter.

   Examples

   1672-679, William Temple, Memoirs At my Arrival , the King asked me many questions about my Journey, about the Congress, draping us for spending him so money

4. To make cloth.

5. To design drapery, arrange its folds, etc., as for hangings, costumes, statues, etc.

6. To hang or rest limply.

   Synonyms

   trail

   Examples

   I draped myself elegantly over the couch.

Noun

1. hanging cloth used as a blind (especially for a window)

   Synonyms

   curtaindraperymantlepall

   Broader terms

   blindscreenfurnishing

2. the manner in which fabric hangs or falls

   Broader terms

   mannermodestylewayfashion

   Examples

   she adjusted the drape of her skirt

3. a sterile covering arranged over a patient's body during a medical examination or during surgery in order to reduce the possibility of contamination

   Broader terms

   covering

Verb

1. arrange in a particular way

   Broader terms

   arrangeset up

   Examples

   drape a cloth

2. place casually

   Broader terms

   arrangeset up

   Examples

   The cat draped herself on the sofa

3. cover as if with clothing

   Synonyms

   clothecloakrobe

   Broader terms

   coverspread over

   Examples

   the mountain was clothed in tropical trees

4. cover or dress loosely with cloth

   Broader terms

   cover

   Examples

   drape the statue with a sheet