Garderobe

A Garderobe (German, French: Garderobe) is a term with multiple historical and contemporary meanings, generally related to clothing storage or privacy.

Historical Meanings

Historically, the term "garderobe" referred to:

• A private chamber or closet in a medieval castle or manor house. This chamber served several purposes, acting as a storage room for clothing, valuables, and sometimes, even food. Its location was often near a bedchamber or great hall.
• A privy or latrine. In medieval times, the word euphemistically referred to a toilet. This meaning stems from the belief that the strong smell of certain clothing, especially that treated with ammonia, could deter moths and other pests from infesting garments stored within the chamber. These privies often projected out from the castle walls, allowing waste to fall directly into the moat or surrounding area.
• The staff responsible for managing the wardrobe of a royal or noble household. This included maintaining, repairing, and storing clothing, linens, and other textiles.

Contemporary Meanings

Today, "Garderobe" primarily refers to:

• A wardrobe or closet for clothes. This is the most common usage of the word in German-speaking countries. It denotes a large, free-standing cabinet or built-in closet designed for storing clothes.
• A cloakroom or checkroom. This usage, derived from the French, describes a place where coats, hats, and other outerwear are checked at a public venue like a restaurant, theater, or museum. In this context, it often refers to the service as much as the physical space.
• A collection of clothing. While less common, "garderobe" can also be used to describe a person's entire collection of clothes, particularly a well-curated or extensive one.

Etymology

The word "garderobe" is derived from the Old French words garde (to guard, keep) and robe (garment, clothing). This reflects the chamber's primary function of safeguarding clothing. The German term adopted the French word directly.