Definition
Very fancily or formally dressed; wearing very showy or splendid clothing.
Origins
From dressed + to the nines; first recorded in the 1800s.
In Context
- "He arrived at the gala, dressed to the nines in his top hat and tails."
- "During the early part of the day he took a stroll in the vicinity of "Fell's Point," dressed to the nines, with his cravat, and pin, and shirt collar neatly folded over."
- "All you will see is a girl you once knew, although she's dressed up to the nines, at sixes and sevens with you."
See Also
- dressed to kill
- Sunday best
- to the nines