In our experience, this definition feels closest: Robes are "a long, loose or flowing gown or outer garment worn by men or women as ceremonial dress, an official vestment, or garb of office." "Robes" in the context of your photos, and modern Mardi Gras, is sort of a generic term for a complete set of ceremonial clothing.
We agree with otsisto's definitions that "train" refers to any part of a set of Robes that trails behind the wearer on the ground. It may detach, or not. It may depend from the shoulders or the waist. In our opinion the picture shows "ceremonial robes that include trains". Our frame of reference is considerably older than the 19thC: as we know it, a "mantle" refers to a specific kind of cloak, which could easily be part of a set of ceremonial "robes." hope this helps, chimene On Feb 10, 2011, at 1:58 AM, <penn...@costumegallery.com> <penn...@costumegallery.com> wrote: > I feel so silly asking this question. I am working on photos of coronation > costume photos for Mardi Gras. I am looking for the correct term to use for > the detachable train (?) worn by the king and queen. You may view the > questionable piece here: > > http://www.costumegallery.com/MardiGras/2010/Mobile/Museum/Queen1/P1100236me > d.jpg I have checked my costume dictionaries and the "train" definition > seems to fit better than robe. I have heard it called both ways. What the > correct word to use? > > > > Penny Ladnier, owner > > The Costume Gallery Websites > > <http://www.costumegallery.com/> www.costumegallery.com > > 14 websites of fashion, costume, and textile history > > FaceBook: > <http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Costume-Gallery-Websites/107498415961579> > http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Costume-Gallery-Websites/107498415961579 > > > > _______________________________________________ > h-costume mailing list > h-costume@mail.indra.com > http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume _______________________________________________ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume