toiletn.

Brit.

/ˈtɔɪlᵻt/, U.S.

/ˈtɔɪlᵻt/

Forms: 1600s tuillet, 1600s twilet, 1600s twillet, 1600s–1700s toillet, 1600s–1800s toylet, 1600s–1800s twilight, 1600s– toilet, 1600s– toilette, 1700s toilett, 1700s toillette, 1700s toylett; also Scottish pre-1700 tolat, pre-1700 tuelet, pre-1700 tulat, pre-1700 tulate, pre-1700 tulet, pre-1700 tuliet; U.S. regional 1900s– terlet (New York), 1900s– tollet (chiefly southern and New England), 1900s– torlet.

Origin: A borrowing from French. Etymon: French toilette.

Etymology: < Middle French toilete, toillete, Middle French, French toilette, French †toillette piece of cloth serving as a wrapper or covering for clothes (1352 as teillette , tellette ), bag or case for nightclothes (end of the 16th cent.), cloth cover for a dressing table (1599 as thoilette ), the articles required or used in applying make-up, arranging the hair, dressing, etc., collectively (1661), action of preparing oneself to appear in public (by dressing, washing, etc.) (1679), visit paid to, or reception of visitors by, a lady during the concluding stages of her toilette (1688, in the passage translated in quot. 1688 at sense 6, or earlier) < toile , toille cloth (see toil n.²) + -ete , -ette -et suffix¹. Compare tillet n.¹, which shows an earlier adaptation of a variant form of the French noun.Specific senses. The word in English has shown considerable continuing semantic influence from French. In sense 5b after French toilette (1829 in this sense; more fully toilette d'un condamné , toilette des condamnés ). Compare the following earlier instance of the French noun in this sense, in an English context:1839 J. G. Millingen Stories of Torres Vedras I. v. 210 The sentence was most welcome, and she gladly yielded her once beautiful hair to the toilette de la guillotine. In sense 5c after French toilette (1836 in this sense). In sense 5d after French toilette (J. Worms 1860, in Gaz. hebdomadaire de méd. et de chirurg. 7 806, originally in toilette de la cavité abdominale ). With the development of sense 8 compare French toilette place for washing oneself (1858); the sense ‘lavatory’ is apparently first attested later than in English: 1902, earliest in papier toilette toilet paper. With use in sense 7 compare French toilette denoting a woman's costume (1776). Specific forms. In form toilette now usually pronounced /twɑːˈlɛt/, reflecting the French pronunciation /twalɛt/. This form is now largely restricted to senses 5a, 6, and 7. The form twilight reflects folk-etymological association with twilight n. (probably from the 17th-cent. forms twilet, twillet).

†1.

a. Chiefly Scottish. A piece of cloth used as a wrapper or covering for clothes. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > [noun] > wrapper for

toilet1538

the world > space > relative position > condition of being external > covering > wrapping > [noun] > a wrapping > for clothes

toilet1538

1538 in J. B. Paul Accts. Treasurer Scotl. (1907) VII. 86 vj quartaris of ȝallow bukram to be ane tulate to ane goune of gray dalmes of the kingis grace maid of before, and had to Striveling.

1540 in R. Pitcairn Criminal Trials Scotl. (1830) I. 302 For pointis to þe Cote and brekis, and ane Tulat to þe Cote..iij s.

1541 in R. Pitcairn Criminal Trials Scotl. (1830) I. 318 For ix elnis blak freis, to lyne þe Cote... Item, for pointis and ane tolat to turs it to Sanct Johnestoune.

1541 in J. B. Paul Accts. Treasurer Scotl. (1908) VIII. 22 For ane tulet to thir clathis quhilkis wer deliverit be Thomas Arthuir to the Kingis grace.

1611 R. Cotgrave Dict. French & Eng. Tongues Toilette, a Toylet; the stuffe which Drapers lap about their clothes; also, a bag to put night-clothes, and buckeram, or other stuffe to wrap any other clothes, in.

1672 E. Ashmole Inst. Order of Garter v. 181 (margin) Toilet, or Toilette, called also Tavayoile, is a large Napkin, or cloth, usually laid over Womens dresses, and other Clothes after they are spred on a Table.

b. A bag or case for nightclothes. Obsolete.Found only in dictionaries.

ΘΚΠ

society > travel > aspects of travel > a journey > [noun] > luggage > travelling bag > hand-held

mailc1275

clothesack1393

cloak-bagc1540

portmanteau1553

valance?a1562

pockmanty1575

cap-case1577

cloak-bearer1580

night baga1618

valisea1630

toilet1656

Roger1665

shirt case1823

weekend case1827

carpet-bag1830

holdall1851

handbag1859

suitcase1873

sample case1875

gripsack1877

case1879

grip1879

Gladstone (bag)1882

traveller1895

vanity-case1913

luggage1915

revelation1923

two-suiter1923

overnight bag1925

one-suiter1933

suiter1933

overnight case1934

Samsonite1939

flight bag1943

Pullman1946

grip-bag1958

overnighter1959

carry-on1960

Vuitton1975

go bag1991

1656 T. Blount Glossographia Toylet (Fr. toylette), a bag or cloth to put night clothes in.

1858 P. L. Simmonds Dict. Trade Products Toilet, a bag or case for night-clothes.

c. A shawl to cover the head or shoulders; spec. a cloth put over the shoulders during shaving or hairdressing. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > clothing for head or neck or body > [noun] > shawl

toilet1664

shawl1767

wrapper1838

Paisley1849

spread1857

throw1887

the mind > attention and judgement > beautification > beautification of the person > beautification of the hair > implements used in styling the hair > [noun] > towel

shaving-cloth1540

toilet1664

1664 T. Killigrew Thomaso v. vi, in Comedies & Trag. 375 How Propa this little Rogue is, in every thing! Night gowne, slippers, Cap, and Toylet? As brave as if she were to marry some Prince to night.

1687 A. Lovell tr. J. de Thévenot Trav. into Levant iii. 37 When they go abroad, they wear a Chal which is a kind of toilet of very fine Wool made at Cachmir.

1691 J. Phillips tr. Plutarch Morals IV. 272 Pleasant..was the Answer of Archelaus to the Barber, who after he had cast the Linnen Toylet about his Shoulders, put this Question to him, How shall I trim your Majesty? Without any more Prating, quoth the King.

1714 tr. M. Misson New Voy. Italy (ed. 4) I. i. 329 The ordinary citizens Wives and Daughters wear a kind of Toilet on their Heads, with a long Fringe which covers their Faces, and drives away the Flies like Horse-trappings.

†2. A cloth cover for a dressing table, formerly often of rich material and workmanship; = toilet cover n. at Compounds 2. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > furniture and fittings > covers or hangings > [noun] > cover for furniture > for dressing table

toilet1665

toilet cover1772

petticoat1880

1665 J. B. tr. P. Scarron Comical Romance ix. 48 Two Gentlewomen masked, and a little Dwarf with his vizard on likewise, came to undress him, afafter [sic] they had spread a most sumptuous Toillet on a side Table.

1682 London Gaz. No. 1739/4 A gold-coloured Tabby Twilet and Pincushion with Silver Lace.

1683 London Gaz. No. 1811/4 Stolen the 20th Instant, a Toilet of blew Velvet, with a Gold and Silver Fringe.

1696 E. Phillips New World of Words (new ed.) Toilet, a kind of Table-cloth, or Carpet of Silk, Sattins, Velvet or Tissue, spread upon a Table in a Bed-chamber.

1703 Country Farmer's Catech. in J. O. Halliwell & T. Wright Nares's Gloss. (1867) II. 488/2 Not to spend their time in knit-knots, patch-work, fine twilights.

1735 Select Trials Old-Bailey II. 331/1 A Toilette (or Covering for a Dressing-Table).

1767 M. Delany Autobiogr. & Corr. (1862) 2nd Ser. I. 104 Your fancy about taking a gimp round the flowers on the toilet would be pretty, but too much work.

1858 P. L. Simmonds Dict. Trade Products Toilet,..a cotton cover for a dressing-table.

†3. The dressing table covered by this cloth; a toilet table. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > furniture and fittings > table > [noun] > dressing table

toilet1667

dressing table1668

toilet table1753

dresser1828

kidney table1845

duchesse dressing-table1863

poudreuse1902

vanity table1936

vanity1937

1667 G. Digby Elvira iv. 58 (stage direct.) Re-enter Donna Blanca and Francisca as in Blanca's chamber, and she newly seated at her Toilet, and beginning to unpin.

c1695 M. Prior Ode: Merchant 6 My darling lyre, Upon Euphelia's toilet lay.

1709 M. Prior Hans Carvel 60 An untouch'd Bible grac'd her toilet: No fear that thumb of hers should spoil it.

1789 E. Gibbon Autobiogr. (1854) 100 My book was on every table, and almost on every toilette.

1803 M. Charlton Wife & Mistress (ed. 2) I. 118 I have made up a twilight in her room, and put my white taffety pin~cushion upon it.

1819 W. Scott Bride of Lammermoor xii, in Tales of my Landlord 3rd Ser. II. 301 On the toilette beside, stood an old-fashioned mirror, in a fillagree frame.

1838 W. Wallace Contin. Mackintosh's Hist. Eng. VIII. v. 188 The letter of the princess Anne, said to have been left by her on her toilet, was not delivered.

1847 W. Hazlitt tr. A. de Vigny Cinq-Mars xvii. 201 Her eyes often glanced towards the mirror on the toilet, in which she watched the symmetry of her beauty.

1887 D. Russell Broken Seal III. xv. 276 She went to the toilet to place the jewel case there.

4. As a mass noun. The articles required or used in applying make-up, arranging the hair, dressing, etc.; a toilet set. Also: a case containing these. Now historical and rare.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > attention and judgement > beautification > beautification of the person > beautification of the skin or complexion > [noun] > sets and containers for

dressing box1607

toileta1684

dressing case1778

service1851

toiletry1892

powder bowl1894

vanity bag1907

vanity-box1911

powder compact1920

compact1921

vanity set1930

flapjack1934

minaudière1940

the world > physical sensation > cleanness and dirtiness > cleaning > cleaning or cleanliness of the person > [noun] > bag or case for toilet utensils

dressing box1607

toilet1728

toilet box1729

dressing case1778

toilet case1807

wet pack1928

Dopp kit1937

a1684 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1662 (1955) III. 323 The greate looking-Glasse & Toilet of beaten & massive Gold was given by the Q: Mother.

1718 Lady M. W. Montagu Let. 10 Mar. (1965) I. 384 In her bed chamber her Toilet was display'd, consisting of 2 looking Glasses [etc.].

1728 E. Chambers Cycl. (at cited word) The Dressing-Box, wherein are kept the Paints, Pomatums, Essences, Patches, &c. the Pin-cushion, Powder-Box, Brushes, &c. are esteem'd Parts of the Equipage of the Ladies Toilet.

1763 C. Johnstone Reverie (new ed.) II. 16 How can you intrude so rudely into a lady's ruelle? You see I have set out my toilet.

1815 Chron. in Ann. Reg. 53/2 A superb toilet of plate.

1853 E. K. Kane U.S. Grinnell Exped. iii. 26 To one long string was fastened..my entire toilet, a tooth-brush, a comb, and a hair-brush.

1997 M. Bray in M. B. Duberman Queer World ii. xvi. 211 Pope's poetical description of the enticing contents of Belinda's female toilet..would have been familiar material to any seventeenth-century satirist.

a. Frequently in form toilette. The action or process of washing, dressing, or arranging the hair. Frequently in to make one's toilet.

ΘΚΠ

the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > providing with clothing > [noun] > in specific way > dressing and washing or grooming

toilet1684

toileting1793

toiletry1851

the world > physical sensation > cleanness and dirtiness > cleaning > washing > washing oneself or body > [noun]

lotiona1513

ablution1664

toilet1684

washing1896

1684 tr. 'Le Sieur Combes' Hist. Explic. Versailles 32 She was given to understand, being at her Toilette, of the death of her Husband.

1712 A. Pope Rape of Locke i, in Misc. Poems 360 The long Labours of the Toilette cease.

1726 J. Swift Cadenus & Vanessa 7 Every Trifle that employs The out or inside of their Heads, Between their Toylets and their Beds.

1777 F. Burney Early Jrnls. & Lett. (1990) II. 259 Mrs Wall was still at her Toilette!

1822 W. Irving Bracebridge Hall I. 62 She actually spent an hour longer at her toilette, and made her appearance with her hair uncommonly frizzed and powdered.

1835 C. Colton Four Yrs. in Great Brit. II. 311 The wife of a Winnebago chief..came from making her toilet over the mirror-surface of Fox River.

1850 W. Wordsworth Prelude vii. 552 There have I seen a comely Bachelor Fresh from a toilette of two hours.

1890 G. Gissing Emancipated I. i. iii. 83 But when at length he appeared at the dinner-table, once more fresh from his toilet, then did a gleam of animation transform his countenance.

1925 W. de la Mare Broomsticks 122 Miss Chauncey proceeded to make her toilet for the night.

1939 T. S. Eliot Old Possum's Bk. Pract. Cats 20 They make their toilette and take their repose.

1991 Boston Globe 1 Sept. (Mag.) 30/3 For fans of the long, leisurely toilette, Nuts About Beauty is a little piece of heaven.

2000 T. Tierney Tudor & Elizabethan Fashions 37 Here is an Elizabethan lady at her toilet, shown wearing a floral embroidered silk chemise under her boned corset.

b. Preparation for execution (esp. by guillotine). Now historical.

ΘΚΠ

society > authority > punishment > capital punishment > [noun] > infliction of > preparation for

toilet1853

1853 Harper's New Monthly Mag. Oct. 611/2 They simulated the toilet of the condemned, preparing the neck for the knife, by feigning to cut the hair and the collar.

1885 E. F. Du Cane Punishm. & Prevent. Crime ii. 23 The hangman was not allowed to enter the gaol even to receive his wage, but was paid over the gates, the ‘toilette’ or pinioning being performed by the ‘yeomen of the halter’.

1903 R. Gower Rec. & Reminisc. 281 The ghastly ceremony of his toilette [for the guillotine], as they call the pinioning and cutting off the hair at the back of his head.

1910 T. Hopkins Women Napoleon Loved iii. 66 Clients hang up their hats within a yard or two of the spot where Samson's assistants performed the ‘toilet’ of the condemned.

1934 Studies: Irish Q. Rev. 23 58 The toilet preparations of the victims doomed to the guillotine were hastily completed.

c. The cleaning of an animal, an object, a place, etc.

ΘΚΠ

the world > physical sensation > cleanness and dirtiness > cleaning > [noun] > an act of cleaning

cleanse1760

toilet1862

clean-up1876

cleana1889

spruce-up1918

1862 Eclectic Mag. Oct. 268/1 M. Esquiros was struck with the delicate attention..with which the workman performed ‘the toilet’ of these saws and other dreadful implements.

1901 Daily Tel. 9 Mar. 9/6 The toilet of London—to use the picturesque phrase of an authority consulted yesterday—cannot be satisfactory unless the streets are flushed with water every night.

1907 C. Urban Cinematograph 21 The performance of the toilet of an ocean greyhound.

1913 E. Jepson Terrible Twins v. 125 Before breakfast they made the toilet of the six chosen kittens.

1958 E. O. James Myth & Ritual in Anc. Near East 89 Then he performed the Toilet of the image, made offerings to it and replaced it in the shrine.

d. Surgery. Thorough cleaning of an operative field, esp. the peritoneal or pleural cavity, at the end of an operation; (also) cleaning or debridement of a wound.

ΘΚΠ

the world > health and disease > healing > medical treatment > surgery > other surgical practices > [noun] > cleansing part after operation

toilet1865

1865 T. S. Wells tr. A. Courty in Dis. Ovaries I. 177 Then with fine sponges he [sc. Wells] wiped out the abdominal cavity, its walls, the intestines, and the pelvis, performing, according to the happy expression of M. Worms in the ‘Gazette Hebdominaire’, ‘the toilet of the peritoneum’ [Fr. toilette du péritoine].

1879 Brit. Med. Jrnl. 24 May 790/1 Spencer Wells,..by his careful toilette of the peritoneum and extraperitoneal treatment of the pellicle, had, by guarding against septic infection, attained the results which astonished the German surgeons.

1910 Brit. Jrnl. Dental Sci. 53 631 Immediately after the tooth had been removed and the necessary surgical toilette completed, the premolar was subjected to a chemical and microscopical test.

1954 A. F. DePalma Dis. Knee ix. 458/1 Thorough cleansing of a wide area of skin up to the wound edges is the first step in the toilet of the wound.

1983 P. Aeberhard & P. A. Casey Reoperation Postoperative Abdominal Sepsis viii. 110/1 The reoperation consists of mediastinal and pleural toilet, drainage, gastrostomy and nasoesophageal intubation or cervical side-wall esophagostomy.

2003 J. Bohnen in M. Schein & J. C. Marshall Source Control v. 38 Peritoneal toilet functions as a surgical adjunct to controlling the initial, proximate source of peritoneal infection.

6. Chiefly in form toilette. The reception of visitors by a lady during the concluding stages of her toilet, esp. fashionable in the 18th cent. Now historical.

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > social event > visit > [noun] > a reception of visitors > by lady during toilet

toilet1688

1688 J. Phillips tr. Du Vignau Turkish Secretary 51 For indeed people never go thither to make their Court, nor do they attend at the Sultana's Toilets [Fr. Toillettes].

1703 R. Steele Tender Husband i. i You shall introduce him to Mrs. Clerimont's Toilet.

1765 Ld. Chesterfield Let. 21 Mar. (1932) (modernized text) VI. 2649 I carried him a little time ago to a lady's toilette, who was delighted with him.

1786 F. Burney Diary 19 Aug. (1842) III. 120 I am forced to deny all admission to my toilette, as it has never taken place without making me too late.

1806 M. Edgeworth Leonora I. xli. 279 A gentleman had assisted at a lady's toilette. Nothing more simple, nothing more proper in the meridian of Paris.

1893 Austral. Jrnl. June 579/2 The blouse known as the Oassar is very becoming when of good material, and may be successfully worn with a nice skirt by ladies for ‘at home’ toilettes.

1925 Arts & Decoration Dec. 46/3 An invitation to the toilettes of the reigning beauties meant inclusion in fashionable society.

2006 J. Lizop tr. E. de Feydeau Scented Palace ii. 49 The toilette at which people might be presented to the Queen..took place at noon.

7. Chiefly in form toilette. Manner or style of dressing; dress, costume. Also (as a count noun): a dress or costume, a gown. Now archaic and rare.In quot. 1936: coiffure, hairdo.

ΘΚΠ

the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > [noun]

wearing?c1225

guisec1275

attire1382

habita1420

shapea1425

trick1542

fashion1544

trim1579

suit shape1598

garb1608

form1664

toilet1752

macaroni dressa1777

turn-out1812

style1814

set-out1834

get-up1842

rig1843

feather1854

model1859

make-up1883

the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > providing with clothing > [noun] > manner or style of

toilet1752

the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > clothing for body or trunk (and limbs) > [noun] > dress, robe, or gown > types of > as chief piece of woman's costume

robinga1450

toilet1752

costume1797

1752 A. Hervey Let. 27 Nov. in 11th Rep. Royal Comm. Hist. MSS (1887) App. iv. 380 in Parl. Papers (C. 5060–111) XLVII. 309 'Tis so long (tell Lady Caroline) since I have seen so spruce a Toylet as hers.

1821 W. Scott Kenilworth I. iii. 50 His toilette had apparently cost him some labour, for his clothes..were of the newest fashion, and put on with great attention.

1849 W. M. Thackeray Pendennis (1850) I. xxiv. 229 Madame noted every article of toilette which the ladies wore.

1867 H. Latham Black & White 128 We observed some show of evening toilet.

1883 Truth 31 May 745/2 Lady Dudley's black toilette was much admired.

1904 Queen 30 Jan. 178/3 Entire lace gowns hung over chiffon slips made graceful toilettes.

1936 J. C. Powys Maiden Castle ix. 450 Nance..had suffered such a ruffling of her toilet that a couple of hairpins trailed across one of her ears.

1988 M. Warner Lost Father i. 10 He looked keenly at his image..assuring himself that his toilette was now soigné enough for a visit to the city.

8. A dressing room (in later use esp. one equipped with washing facilities); = toilet room n. (a) at Compounds 2. Now historical.

ΘΚΠ

society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > parts of building > room > room by type of use > [noun] > room for keeping clothes or dressing

wardrobec1440

garderobe?c1450

vestiaryc1450

vestuaryc1490

vestry1574

guarda-roba1602

dressing room1659

robe chamber1665

tire-room1681

robes-roomc1689

apodyteriuma1695

robing room1712

attiring-room1756

toilet1790

toilet chamber1798

toilet room1800

changing room1841

dressing shed1845

change room1886

1790 R. Beilby & T. Bewick Gen. Hist. Quadrupeds 312 The comforter..is generally kept by the ladies as an attendant of the toilette or the drawing-room.

1819 Ld. Byron Don Juan: Canto I cliii. 79 There is the closet, there the toilet.

1858 P. L. Simmonds Dict. Trade Products Toilette (French), a dressing-table; an ante-room for dressing.

1909 Cent. Dict. Suppl. Toilet, a room designed as a dressing-room, especially one provided with facilities for bathing.

1978 Verbatim Sept. 5/2 Gradually the room where one attended to personal grooming or ‘made one's toilette’ came to be called just the toilet.

1995 R. Mack Arabian Nights (1998) 929 The term [sc. bagnio] is sometimes used in the [Arabian]Nights in a more general sense of ‘dressing room’ or ‘toilet’.

9. Originally U.S.

a. A room, building, or cubicle fitted for people to urinate and defecate in, usually with facilities for hand washing. Cf. slightly earlier toilet room n. (b) at Compounds 2.When denoting such a place for public use, frequently in plural.public toilet: see public adj. and n. Compounds 1b.In North American use, bathroom is now more usual, and, for a public facility, restroom is very common in the U.S.In the U.K. during the mid 20th cent., this sense and sense 9b were designated as ‘non-U’ (not upper-class): cf.

1954 A. S. C. Ross in Neuphilologische Mitteilungen 55 46 (list) Non-U toilet-paper / U lavatory-paper.

ΘΚΠ

the world > physical sensation > cleanness and dirtiness > sanitation > privy or latrine > [noun] > water-closet or lavatory

closet1496

water closet1736

water closet1747

throne room1787

W.C.1815

netty1825

convenience1841

Johnny1847

lavabo1852

restrooma1856

small room1858

cloakroom1865

lavatory1874

bathroom1883

toilet1886

can1900

place1902

lav1913

washroom1919

head1920

lavvy1922

dike1923

smallest room1930

John1931

khazi1932

loo1940

biffy1942

Wa1953

shitcan1954

commode1958

cludgie1961

1886 Kane (Pa.) Leader 7 Oct. 2/2 He says the English railways are improving all the time... No toilets are provided, which make long distance traveling very injurious to the health.

1895 Oakland (Calif.) Tribune 6 Nov. 1/3 The men's public toilet was in a similar condition to that of a public toilet at a railroad station.

1914 Amer. Jrnl. Sociol. 20 154 [It] gives an idea of the over-large number of families and consequently of people using many of the toilets.

1930 F. J. Eble tr. H. Grisar Martin Luther v. 108 In the second story of this tower there was..the toilet (cloaca) of the monks.

1959 S. Gibbons Pink Front Door xviii. 222 Such a gentleman..always pretended not to see you if he met you coming out of the toilet.

1967 Sunday Truth (Austral.) 16 July 28/4 To save gas she washes in public toilets.

1979 L. Brown & J. Brown Our Miracle called Louise i. 16 A harsh voice beat against the door of a toilet at the home. I had bolted myself inside.

2006 Daily Tel. 19 Jan. 10/4 She took to hiding in the toilets at school.

b. A fixed receptacle into which a person can urinate or defecate, typically consisting of a large bowl (with a ring-shaped liftable seat and usually a lid) connected by plumbing to a system for flushing away the waste into the sewer; a lavatory, a water closet; (also) a similar appliance where the waste is disposed of in the earth or treated with chemicals.chemical toilet: see chemical adj. and n. Compounds 3.

ΘΚΠ

the world > physical sensation > cleanness and dirtiness > sanitation > privy or latrine > [noun] > water-closet or lavatory > W.C. appliances

lavatory basin1854

suite1883

toilet1894

lavatory1903

lavatory bowl1915

throne1922

potty1937

plumbing1950

1894 N.Y. Court of Appeals: Rec. & Briefs 19 Dec. (1897) 134 I saw him sitting on the toilet with all his clothes on.

1897 Misc. Rep. (N. Y.) 20 728 This was a toilet or urinal where they used some kind of chemicals to keep it clear and free from disagreeable odors.

1917 C. R. Wadhams Simple Direct. for Chambermaid 50 The toilet should be kept absolutely clean. Hot water with washing soda or cleanser is often needed to clean it thoroughly, using the chamber-cloth or toilet brush for that purpose.

1955 A. Huxley Genius & Goddess 109 She..poured the perfume into the toilet and pulled the plug.

1968 B. Hines Kestrel for Knave 193 He struck a match. A moment while it flared, then two urinals, a toilet in a doorless cubicle, and the sink without a tap.

2010 Viz Apr. Gloss. 40/1 Waking up at the conclusion of a refreshing, post-pub, drunken snooze on the toilet.

10. A small, run-down, or disreputable club, music venue, bar, etc. Also more generally: any place which is regarded as unpleasant or in poor condition. Also attributive, as toilet circuit, toilet venue, etc.

ΚΠ

1970 Playboy Sept. 48/2 The depressing daytime look of second-rate clubs in third-rate towns on the toilet circuit.

1972 R. B. Read Gastronomic Tour of Mexico 123 My friend Tony Monteleone has a devastating one-word label for a place he doesn't like: it's a toilet; Chicago, of course, is a toilet with the door open; New York is The Big Toilet.

1979 I. Melchior Watchdays of Abaddon iii. 38 Here the bars were real ‘toilets’. Prostitutes—male and female—hustling their bodies.

1995 J. Miller Voxpop xii. 169 I've been in bands in the past and played just about every toilet in London.

2002 Japan Times 8 May 14/2 After eight years plying speedy garage-punk at about 1,500 gigs in toilet venues across Scandinavia..they were just about covering rent and booze bills.

2011 Newcastle (Austral.) Herald (Nexis) 12 Nov. (Weekender section) 38 There's nothing like driving past the beaches and while the mall is a bit of a toilet, it's still our mall.

Phrases

colloquial.

P1. Originally U.S. to go to the toilet.In North American use to go to the bathroom is now usual.

a. To pay a visit to the toilet in order to urinate or defecate.

ΚΠ

1897 Indianapolis Sun 27 Nov. Guldensuppe came upstairs and Mrs. Nack went to the toilet in the yard.

1905 Lawyers Rep. Annotated (Extra Annotated ed.) 21 293/2 The plaintiff partially dressed himself and went to the toilet, leaving his pocket-book lying upon the bedding of his berth.

1933 P. Cain Fast One (2004) iii. 85 ‘You'll stay here where I can hold a book on you. You stay here and in your same spot—only you can't go to the toilet without my okay’.

1990 T. Robbins Skinny Legs & All 256 She went to the toilet to take a pee.

2001 B. Hatch Internat. Gooseberry 14 Carlos got up to go to the toilet at the same moment as Dominique.

b. To urinate or defecate.

ΚΠ

1954 Jrnl. Educ. Psychol. 28 186 To have pants unbuttoned so he could go to the toilet.

1969 T. Alexander Children & Adolescents (2009) xiii. 300 Charles extended his rebellion to a refusal to have bowel movements and would not go to the toilet at all.

1995 Spy (N.Y.) Mar.–Apr. 30/2 Why do dogs always like to watch when you're going to the toilet?

2003 M. Haddon Curious Incident of Dog in Night-time 129 Joseph Fleming took his trousers off and went to the toilet all over the floor.

P2.

a. down the toilet: into a bad state; to the lowest possible level. Cf. down the pan at pan n.¹ Phrases 3.

ΚΠ

1967 Times 20 Oct. 3/5 He said that England was ‘going down the toilet’.

1972 Daily Times-News (Burlington, N. Carolina) 17 Feb. 16 a/3 The movie business has gone down the toilet.

1980 TWA Ambassador Oct. 82/3 The gold market went right down the toilet.

1997 When Saturday Comes Jan. 36/1 The cameraman..could spend an age perfecting his angles, positions and profiles, but then see the whole lot disappear down the toilet as a result of somebody deliberately knocking everything over.

2003 Company June 70/1 My self-confidence went down the toilet.

b. in the toilet: in a bad state or situation; ruined.

ΚΠ

1977 Sunday Sun (Baltimore) 2 Jan. d1/3 This is why Hollywood is in the toilet. What the hell does Barbra Streisand know about directing or editing a movie?

1979 Washington Post (Nexis) 8 Apr. g1 We are doing action-adventure television. If they just ran into wonderful warm people every week, the ratings would really be in the toilet.

1991 J. Phillips You'll never eat Lunch in this Town Again (1992) 160 [He] is one of those guys who shows up just in time to put your marriage in the toilet for good.

2008 Daily Tel. 5 Dec. 26/6 Sterling is in the toilet because Britain's finances have been flushed away by a profligate administration whose Budget is in tatters.

Compounds

C1. General attributive (chiefly in senses 4 and 9 (when in both senses, now more usually the latter)).

toilet article n.

ΚΠ

1777 J. Richardson Dict., Persian, Arabic, & Eng. 1622 A purse in which women keep their mirrors and other toilette articles.

1868 7th Ann. Rep. State Board Agric. Michigan 351 Perfumery toilet articles.

1981 ‘J. Ross’ Dark Blue & Dangerous iv. 23 He checked the essentially male shaver and toilet articles.

2000 S. Bellow Ravelstein 212 My Borsalino, electric razor, toilet articles, CDs, et cetera, were stuffed into supermarket shopping bags.

toilet cubicle n.

ΚΠ

1924 Amer. Architect & Archit. Rev. 8 Oct. 16/1 The special accompanying features of the structure include..a swimming pool with removable toilet cubicles for both sexes.

1950 Daily Gleaner (Kingston, Jamaica) 3 Feb. 5/2 There are four toilet cubicles for the nearly six hundred pupils of the upper school.

2011 T. E. Kennedy Falling Sideways 75 At Østerport Station, in the men's room, in a locked toilet cubicle, he sat with his pants around his ankles.

toilet jug n.

ΚΠ

1839 Morning Post 1 Jan. 1/3 (advt.) Having been filled from the toilet-jug, it may be conveyed, unseen, in the pocket, or in a lady's reticule, to any appropriate place.

1913 C. Mackenzie Sinister St. I. ii. iv. 198 After trying to soak a shadowy tomcat down below with water from the toilet-jug Michael and Alan would undress.

2002 Western Morning News (Plymouth) (Nexis) 27 July 4 Some pieces are priced separately, like the red and white marbled toilet jug at £30.

toilet kit n.

ΚΠ

1857 M. Young Aldershot, & all about It v. 106 On the first of every month, it was necessary for him to produce his toilet ‘kit’ before the general.

1922 S. Lewis Babbitt xiii. 163 The leather seat piled with dingy toilet-kits, and the air nauseating with the smell of soap and toothpaste.

2005 J. McCann Build Perfect Survival Kit iii. xiii. 139 It was used to hold a toilet kit containing toilet paper, small zip-lock bags and small antibacterial wipes.

toilet knickknack n.

ΚΠ

1847 W. M. Thackeray Vanity Fair (1848) xxxi. 266 He would make a present of the silver essence-bottles and toilet knicknacks to a young lady.

1919 C. Morley Haunted Bookshop v. 99 Inside, the customary shelves of labelled jars, glass cases holding cigars, nostrums and toilet knick-knacks.

1982 M. Seide Common Wilderness (1983) viii. 214 She poked among the toilet knickknacks, but she could not find the fig leaf of her future.

toilet lid n.

ΚΠ

1917 Plumbers' Trade Jrnl. 1 Aug. 154/2 Before I cut my wisdom teeth as landlord, it was not beneath my dignity to peddle bids for laundry tubs and toilet lids.

1971 J. D. MacDonald Seven (1974) vi. 143 Turned toilet lid down. Sat on it.

2001 Denver Post 21 Jan. f5/5 I..instructed everyone to keep the toilet lids closed.

toilet odds and ends n.

ΚΠ

1878 Appletons' Jrnl. Dec. 553/2 In a certain part you can find a barber's, with large mirrors, and shelves filled with perfumes, cosmetics, and the toilet odds and ends that are offered for sale in the barber's shop ashore.

1909 E. Banks Myst. Frances Farrington xiv. 162 Toilet odds and ends, such as hair-pins, safety-pins,..thread and needles.

1972 M. O. Macgoye Murder in Majengo 60 If she bought two dresses and one set of underclothes, a pair of shoes and some toilet odds and ends she would be tolerably comfortable.

toilet stand n.

ΚΠ

1766 Gentleman's Mag. Dec. 558/1 A beautiful alabaster..intended for..her toilet-stand.

1899 K. Chopin Awakening xv. 110 She began to set the toilet-stand to rights.

1998 Pi Mag. Dec. 1/1 It's so embarrassing buying my puff off a walking toilet stand.

toilet tank n.

ΚΠ

1906 Cook County (Illinois) Herald 19 Jan. The poor fruit vender, from Arlington Heights, had the misfortune to drop his hat into the toilet tank at Ted Koch's place.

1974 R. B. Parker Godwulf Manuscript xvi. 126 There was nothing in the toilet tank.

2000 N.Y. Times 21 Aug. b1/2 If you dope-tested the top of every toilet tank in the city, I bet half would test positive for cocaine.

toilet tidy n.

ΚΠ

1857 Daily Hawk-eye (Burlington, Iowa) 9 Oct. (advt.) The cheapest store under the sun... Toweling, toilet tidies, hosiery and gloves.

1928 A. M. M. Douton Bk. with Seven Seals xvii. 380 Mary Anne was not inspired with any admiration for the antimacassars and toilet-tidies that she made.

1999 M. C. Beaton Agatha Raisin & Love from Hell (2003) 113 They even had a fuzzy pink toilet tidy in the bathroom. Ugh.

toilet ware n.

ΚΠ

1827 Liverpool Mercury 13 Apr. 1/4 (advt.) Tea, Dessert, and Toilet Ware..in fine Blue Printed.

1864 Hist. North-Western Soldiers' Fair, Chicago 168 1 set fancy toilet ware.

1977 Western Morning News 30 Aug. 2/3 Woolland, Son & Manico have received instructions from private vendors to sell by auction..toilet ware.

2000 M. Blair Ceramic Water Closets 13 Many well-known potters..were making pottery WC bowls, plug wash bowls, bidets and other toiletware.

C2.

toilet accessory n. (a) (usually in plural) a cosmetic, grooming product, or other accessory used in washing, shaving, etc.; (b) an accessory which is part of the structure or mechanism of a flushing toilet.

ΚΠ

1834 Amer. Railroad Jrnl. 11 Oct. 636/1 The perfumes, soaps and toilet accessories in every variety, of Johnson & Co. of 35 Cedar street, agreeably arrest the senses both of sight and smell.

1922 G. Garrett Driver xi. 193 Every room was perfectly dressed, even to towels on the bath room racks and toilet accessories in the cabinets.

1961 Albuquerque (New Mexico) Jrnl. 19 Mar. c11/2 (advt.) Toilet accessories... Toilet seat..2.88. Tank ball..49c [etc.].

1999 H. Jaffe Sex for Millennium i. 21 My paternal grandfather..made big $$$ manufacturing porcelain toilet bowls and toilet accessories like flushers, tanks and the apparatuses inside tanks.

2007 Times (Nexis) 14 Apr. (Mag. section) 126 Such toilet accessories as I possess (razor, shaving foam, toenail clippers..) have been consigned to high-shelf oblivion.

toilet appointment n. †(a) an item of clothing (obsolete); (b) a bathroom furnishing.

ΚΠ

1842 Punch 2 35/2 The last crawl upstairs to dress, in whatever part of the house their toilet appointments have been transported to, in an extreme state of exhaustion.

1847 W. M. Thackeray Vanity Fair (1848) vii. 62 [She] examined the dreary pictures and toilette appointments.

1987 Advertiser (Adelaide) (Nexis) 15 Jan. They also want a room with a bidet, even though the Plaza has no rooms with such sophisticated toilet appointments.

toilet attendant n. †(a) a servant who assists a person in dressing, arranging the hair, etc. (obsolete); (b) originally U.S. a person employed at a public toilet or restroom to clean, provide assistance, etc.

ΚΠ

1791 T. Vaughan Love's Vagaries i. i. 11 Well, Madam.., I will endeavour to keep up the character of a modern toilette attendant, by devoting my yes and no in future, entirely to your commands.

1897 World Sunday Mag. (N.Y.) 8 Aug. 32/4 I will send to you toilet attendants who will cast you in the correct mould from finger-tips to pompadour.

1901 Proc. Council Munic. Assembly City N.Y. 3 530 (table) Janitor's force... 4 toilet attendants.

2010 Sunday Tribune (Ireland) (Nexis) 23 May n18 The idea of toilet attendants is pointless. No one really needs toilet paper handed to them.

toilet bag n. (a) a bag for holding grooming equipment, toiletries, etc.; a wash bag; (b) a large bag for carrying clothing and other essential items, esp. when travelling; a portmanteau (now rare).

ΚΠ

1834 J. Shakespear Dict. Hindūstānī & Eng. (ed. 3) 2012 Singār-dān... A toilet bag, or dressing-case.

1850 Bradford Observer 17 Oct. 3/4 Each little bed has its toilet bag attached, containing comb, hair-brush, tooth-brush, nail-brush, and clothes-brush.

1856 Times 4 Apr. 15/3 (advt.) The £5 5s. travelling toilette bags, with exterior pockets, double-action locks, and fitted with dressing and writing requisites.

1914 Amer. Stationer 28 Feb. 33/2 The modern girl likes a toilet bag that lies perfectly flat folded under the arm, like a letter case, but which has every little tool perfectly mounted.

1916 J. L. May tr. A. France Pierre Nozière i. v. 48 He appeared..with his green baize toilet-bag, containing two or three masterpieces in the way of tunics, flung over his arm.

1937 Winnipeg Free Press 20 Dec. 26/1 (advt.) Give her a toilet bag of Celanese rayon moire... They're fitted—face cloth, face tissues, cream jar and cotton bottle.

2012 M. Frayn Skios xxxviii. 211 Where was his razor, though? And his toothbrush.., and all the rest of the stuff in his toilet bag?

toilet basket n. a wicker dressing case.

ΚΠ

1826 U.S. Tel. (Washington, D.C.) 10 Feb. (advt.) An assortment of fancy goods... Gilt Toilet Baskets, with Bottles.

1908 Westm. Gaz. 23 Jan. 4/2 The new automobile toilet basket is just the thing to carry when touring... It contains..everything necessary for the toilet.

2009 Sun (Nexis) 30 Oct. 33 He hid his mobile-phone camera behind shampoo bottles and in a wicker toilet basket and filmed my daughter undressing and showering.

toilet block n. (a) a small portable wooden box used for transporting toiletries; (b) a building or other structure (permanent or temporary) containing a number of public toilets, as often found at a school, campsite, sports arena, etc.

ΚΠ

1896 Myra's Jrnl. Dec. 38/1 A novel idea for a bazaar would be a travelling toilet block made on the same principle as the writing blocks.

1908 Amer. Architect & Building News 23 Sept. 101/2 Clearly as much office space and better lighting to the corridors and toilet block could have been attained without them.

1976 Star (Sheffield) 26 Nov. 26/5 A two-classroom mobile unit and toilet block.

2003 Marie Claire Dec. 413/1 Oh, and no en suite. If nature calls during the night, you have to dash to the toilet block.

toilet bowl n. (a) a bowl used for washing, esp. one forming part of an arrangement for washing in a person's bedroom; a washbasin (now rare); (b) the part of a flushing toilet into which the user urinates or defecates, consisting of a large ceramic bowl connected to the water cistern and sewer by plumbing.

ΘΚΠ

the world > physical sensation > cleanness and dirtiness > cleaning > washing > washing oneself or body > [noun] > washing the hands > vessel for washing the hands (and face)

washela1375

laverc1394

washing-bowl1530

washpot1535

washing-basin1538

cistern1577

lavacre1657

lavatorya1676

chillumchee1715

wash-hand basin1760

wash-dish1805

washbasin1812

wash-bowl1816

chamber set1824

toilet bowl1850

wash-pan1851

lavatory basin1854

wash sink1857

lavatory bowl1872

wash-trough1902

pedestal basin1967

pedestal washbasin1967

vanity basin1972

w.h.b.1975

the world > physical sensation > cleanness and dirtiness > sanitation > privy or latrine > [noun] > water-closet or lavatory > W.C. appliances > pan

pan1586

pot1706

toilet bowl1850

lavatory bowl1915

1850 Manch. Examiner & Times 25 May 8/6 (advt.) Tin Toilet Bowls and Jugs.

1905 Brit. Jrnl. Nursing 34 25/2 A toilet bowl or granite hand-basin found at the patient's home and well cleansed will answer for the first soap and water scrubbing.

1908 3rd Biennial Rep. State Board Charities & Corrections Calif. ii. i. 83 In other cases there is one toilet bowl in each cage, but often this is not in good order, leaks or will not properly flush.

1947 E. Hodgins Mr. Blandings builds his Dream House ii. xii. 164 One bathroom seemed all but finished... A toilet bowl was in place.

2010 C. Binggeli Building Syst. for Interior Designers (ed. 2) viii. 119/1 (caption) A toilet bowl is designed to clean itself with each flush.

toilet box n. now historical a box used to contain small articles used in applying make-up, arranging the hair, washing, etc.

ΘΚΠ

the world > physical sensation > cleanness and dirtiness > cleaning > cleaning or cleanliness of the person > [noun] > bag or case for toilet utensils

dressing box1607

toilet1728

toilet box1729

dressing case1778

toilet case1807

wet pack1928

Dopp kit1937

1729 W. Mackintosh Ess. on Inclosing Scotl. App. 293 The Money laid out on Cabinets, Escretoirs, Toilet-boxes, Boxing of closets, Stocking Fuzees and Pistols, and Clock-cases, is chargeable.

1869 C. Schreiber Jrnl. (1950) I. 10 A fan-shaped toilet box made of Chelsea china.

2005 M. Barker Sir Edwin Lutyens (2008) 51 In the tomb of Any at Thebes a toilet box which belonged to his wife, Tutu, was discovered.

toilet break n. a short period of time within the duration of an activity (often of a prescribed or limited duration) taken to use the toilet.bathroom break is now more usual in North American use.

ΚΠ

1960 W. R. Moule God's Arms around Us xxxviii. 353 We were allowed to get off the trucks for water and a toilet break.

1998 S. Bertmann Hyperculture i. 11 A two-way video system that lets him monitor his workers even when they take a toilet break.

2007 Daily Record (Nexis) 27 Jan. 52 We had a match point in the second set which we lost so we took a toilet break to regroup.

toilet bucket n. †(a) = toilet pail n. (a) (obsolete) (b) a bucket provided (typical in a prison) for people to urinate and defecate into.

ΚΠ

1853 Rec. First Exhib. Metrop. Mechanics' Inst. 49 2 pudding boilers; copper toilet bucket; 2 patent ice cream freezers.

1957 H. Roosenburg Walls came tumbling Down 11 A guard would..open one cell, and allow two prisoners to come out, one with the toilet bucket, the other with the water jug.

1997 D. Hansen Sole Survivor xxxiv. 337 Whoever catches a fish last empties the toilet bucket.

toilet call n. (a) = sense 6; (b) a visit to the toilet.

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > social event > visit > [noun] > during toilet

toilet call1827

1827 T. Carlyle tr. J. A. Musæus in German Romance I. 26 Toilette calls [Ger. Toiletten-Besuche] were not in fashion.

1982 Pacific Stars & Stripes (Tokyo) 5 July 30 There is no smoking, chewing gum or tobacco, and toilet calls are on request.

2010 M. Burdet Stumbling down Shamanic Path xxx. 332 Mother's bedside bell roused me... This was another toilet call, another hour of exertion, before diving back into sleep.

toilet can n. a tin can used as a vessel for water in a dressing room or bathroom.

ΚΠ

1842 Catal. Tin, Japanned, & Zinc Wares 75/2 Toilette cans. Oval. 4 quart.

1858 P. L. Simmonds Dict. Trade Products Toilet-can, a tin can for water for a dressing-room.

1997 E. Friedl Children of Deh Koh xii. 118 The long-spouted toilet cans used for cleaning oneself are far too unwieldy for little hands.

† toilet cap n. Obsolete a cap worn while dressing.

ΘΚΠ

the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > headgear > [noun] > cap > types of > worn for specific purpose > other

toilet cap1660

rain cap1827

smoking-cap1841

bathing-cap1867

marmot1877

scrum cap1896

ski-cap1937

1660 S. Pepys Diary 3 Sept. (1970) I. 239 To get [my Lord]..a toilette Capp and Combe case of Silke to make use of in Holland.

1852 To-day 4 Sept. 138/1 Under the name of dressmaking is included bonnets of all kinds, caps, head-dresses for company, toilet-caps, and even gloves.

toilet case n. a dressing case, a toilet bag.

ΘΚΠ

the world > physical sensation > cleanness and dirtiness > cleaning > cleaning or cleanliness of the person > [noun] > bag or case for toilet utensils

dressing box1607

toilet1728

toilet box1729

dressing case1778

toilet case1807

wet pack1928

Dopp kit1937

1807 Morning Chron. 15 July 1/1 (advt.) A Large Assortment of..Ladies' Toilet Cases.

?1879 S. F. P. Stepping Westward 8 My toilet case for my brush and comb.

1889 H. F. Wood Englishman Rue Caïn xi One of our governesses had a toilette-case sent her as a present.

1986 Toronto Star (Nexis) 13 Jan. b1 He..stuffed a three-quarters finished tube of Crest into a battered black toilet case.

toilet chair n. (a) a chair used when grooming, arranging the hair, applying make-up, etc. (now historical); (b) a chair containing a chamber pot or similar receptacle; a commode.

ΚΠ

1822 M. Berry Jrnl. 15 Sept. (1865) III. 322 The toilet, with its numerous pieces—the toilet chair and the cradle.

1898 Boston Daily Advertiser 21 Dec. 1/6 (advt.) You can buy a really beautiful toilet table with accompanying toilet chair for $10.00 complete.

1915 L. Fischer Health-care of Growing Child ii. ii. 122 We should teach the child to use the toilet chair at a certain time of the day, preferably after breakfast.

1966 L. A. Boger Furnit. Past & Present 144 The caned toilet chair is also the typical chair for the writing table, which brings us to that elegant class of secrétaires and bureaux.

2006 L. Groger in S. R. Kunkel & V. Wellin Consumer Voice & Choice in Long-term Care xiv. 225 These include..funds for personal care articles..and appliances such as hospital beds, wheelchairs, walkers, toilet chairs, as well as prosthetic devices.

toilet chamber n. (a) a dressing room (obsolete); (b) a room or alcove containing a toilet.

ΘΚΠ

society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > parts of building > room > room by type of use > [noun] > room for keeping clothes or dressing

wardrobec1440

garderobe?c1450

vestiaryc1450

vestuaryc1490

vestry1574

guarda-roba1602

dressing room1659

robe chamber1665

tire-room1681

robes-roomc1689

apodyteriuma1695

robing room1712

attiring-room1756

toilet1790

toilet chamber1798

toilet room1800

changing room1841

dressing shed1845

change room1886

1798 J. Ebers New & Compl. Dict. German & Eng. Lang. II. 962/2 Puβstube, die, a Lady's or Gentleman's Toilet or Toilet-Chamber.

1853 G. P. R. James Agnes Sorel I. viii. 169 When they had entered his toilet-chamber, the Duke cast himself into a chair.

1987 Toronto Star (Nexis) 28 Feb. e11 The four-piece en suite bathroom features a step-up corner tub and a private toilet chamber.

toilet cleaner n. (a) a person employed to clean toilets; (b) a product, esp. a chemical cleaner, used to disinfect or clean toilets.

ΚΠ

1899 Amer. Machinist 22 June 551/1 The rates of wages per week are as follows in an average sixteen-story building:... One toilet cleaner..[$]8 to 10.

1908 Seattle Star 6 Jan. 5/1 (advt.) Plumbers' friend force cup handy toilet cleaner; save the plumbers' bills.

1958 Times 23 July 9/4 Records from Milwaukee..show what the youngsters in that city got through last year by way of elevenses. They swallowed..motor oil, iodine, toilet cleaners, laundry bleach [etc.].

1999 P. Frame Rockin' around Brit. 169/1 It was here that Rat Scabies, employed as a porter, first met Captain Sensible, working as a toilet cleaner and practising guitar.

2011 J. Green Amazing Pet Cures 220 The chemicals in toilet cleaners and fresheners are toxic to cats and dogs.

toilet cloth n. (a) (probably) = sense 1c (obsolete); (b) a cloth cover for a dressing table (now historical).

ΚΠ

1796 D. Daulby Descriptive Catal. Wks. Rembrandt 213 She is a half-length, sitting and covered with a toilet cloth, leaning her head upon one hand.

1882 S. F. A. Caulfeild & B. C. Saward Dict. Needlework 360 Grecian Netting, used for purses when worked with fine silks, and for curtains and toilet cloths when worked with knitting cotton.

1991 A. Pardailhé-Galabrun Birth of Intimacy v. sore139 A finely worked toilet cloth on which were arranged nine little jars.

toilet club n. now historical a barber's shop offering reduced charges to clients who paid a regular subscription.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > attention and judgement > beautification > beautification of the person > beautification of the hair > places for styling hair > [noun]

barberyc1440

clipping-house1483

barbershop1579

toilet club1855

1855 Standard 19 May 1/6 The toilet club.—‘I never entered a hair-dresser's shop,’ wrote Laroche, ‘without becoming ill from the offensive atmosphere arising from hot curling irons.’

1884 W. S. Gilbert Princess Ida ii. 69 He grew moustachios, and he took his tub, And he paid a guinea to a toilet club.

2006 Peterborough Evening Tel. (Nexis) 17 May He has old Victorian adverts... There is another strange one for the Peterborough Toilet Club, in Cumbergate and Exchange street.

toilet cover n. = toilet cloth n.

ΘΚΠ

society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > furniture and fittings > covers or hangings > [noun] > cover for furniture > for dressing table

toilet1665

toilet cover1772

petticoat1880

1772 B. Franklin Let. 19 Mar. in Papers (1975) XIX. 90 The Toilet Cover, nicely drawn, is in the same [box].

1838 C. Gilman Recoll. Southern Matron xxix. 207 The bride's chamber..neatly set off with white curtains and toilet cover.

1904 E. Nesbit Phoenix & Carpet xii. 226 He's pulled the toilet-cover off the dressing-table with all the brushes and pots and things.

2003 J. Flanders Victorian House (2004) i. 10 Dressing tables..were usually covered with a white ‘toilet cover.’

toilet cup n. now historical a cup or vase, etc., used as a receptacle for small articles used in applying make-up, arranging the hair, washing, etc.

ΚΠ

1789 J. Christie Catal. Houshold Furnit. Duchess of Kingston 37 A pair of toilet cups, silver mounted.

1871 Mrs. E. D. Wallace Strife xv. 147 Amelia let her..bathe the hot head from a toilette-cup that I held for her.

1999 S. Badstübner-Gröger in P. C. Finney Seeing Beyond Word 277/2 (caption) Pair of toilet cups and covers, silver gilt, London.

toilet facility n. (chiefly in plural) (originally) facilities for washing and dressing; (in later use) publicly available toilets.

ΚΠ

1853 A. Cary Clovernook II. 45 These toilet facilities were deemed by some of the party altogether superfluous, and their wooden pocket-combs and handkerchiefs were modestly preferred.

1885 Salt Lake Daily Tribune 18 June Washbasins were provided in chairs besides the beds, and toilet facilities had been improvised by means of placing a small mirror against a stanchion.

1889 Fourth Ann. Rep. Commissioner Labor (U.S. Dept. Labor) i. 21 Toilet facilities are generally scant and inadequate, a hundred workers being dependent sometimes on a single closet or sink, and that too often out of order.

1919 Archit. Rec. June 514/1 In this block is also the men's field house, containing lockers, dressing rooms, shower baths and toilet facilities.

2010 Independent 9 Feb. 13/3 The centre..went into lockdown, leaving women in communal spaces without access to food, water or toilet facilities.

toilet furniture n. now historical articles required or used in applying make-up, arranging the hair, washing, etc.; cf. sense 4.In quot. 1704: (apparently) a set of such items.

ΚΠ

1704 J. Locke Let. 17 Sept. in H. R. F. Bourne Life J. Locke (1876) II. xv. 554 I hope..that you have prepared my present of a toilet furniture for my cousin, your wife, and will give it her from me before you come out of town.

1793 Edinb. Mag. Aug. 131/1 Articles collected from Herculaneum and Pompeii, such as..toilet furniture, and even provisions.

1836 Age 5 June 183/3 (advt.) The Patent is applicable to every description of Toilet Furniture, from the pill-box or soap-box, to a bottle, ewer, and basin, segar-box, scent-box, &c.

1977 Burlington Mag. June 396/2 Another outstanding example..was the set of toilet furniture made by Odiot and Thomire after designs by Prud'hon, which was presented to Marie-Louise by the City of Paris in 1810.

toilet glass n. now historical a mirror used when dressing, a toilet-table mirror.

ΘΚΠ

the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > optical instruments > mirror > [noun] > looking-glass

looking-glass1526

Venice glass1527

tooting-glassc1560

seeing-glass1565

girdle-glassa1652

Venice looking-glass1655

considering-glass1660

peeper1673

long glass1680

table glass1688

dressing glass1697

keeking-glassa1724

toilet glass1729

long mirror1793

swing-glass1809

hand glass1832

cheval-glass1836

psyche1838

tire-glass1844

tiring-glass1844

driving mirror1907

wing mirror1925

swing mirror1930

vanity mirror1959

1729 J. P. Bignon Adventures Abdallah 23 Every thing I had on, made an extraordinary Appearance, and I could not help viewing my self in the Toilet-glass.

1788 Calcutta Chron. 10 Jan. For sale..Toilette-glasses, in elegant frames.

1818 M. Edgeworth Let. 29 Oct. (1971) 132 Long rolling toilette glass and every piece of furniture belonging to better times.

1848 W. M. Thackeray Vanity Fair lviii. 524 The dreary little toilet-glass on the dressing table.

1999 Woodworker July 66/1 A toilet glass..became fashionable and an essential part of dressing table construction.

toilet humour n. crude humour centring on the excretory functions; cf. lavatory humour n. at lavatory n. Compounds 3.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > emotion > pleasure > laughter > causing laughter > [noun] > humour > specific unsavoury

bathroom humour1935

lavatory humour1935

toilet humour1942

potty humour1969

the mind > emotion > pleasure > laughter > causing laughter > [noun] > jest or pleasantry > low jesting or buffoonery > specific

lavatory humour1935

toilet humour1942

potty humour1969

1942 E.W. Beattie Freely to Pass xvii. 239 The placards, which ranged from..the classic school, to a few minor masterpieces of subway toilet humor.

1956 W. H. Auden & C. Kallman Magic Flute (1957) 60 Indulged in toilet-humour with his cousin.

2003 J. Drury Ian Dury & Blockheads iv. 89 In his next verse Ian..entertains the listener with an extraordinary outburst of toilet humour.

toilet joke n. a crude joke centring on the excretory functions; cf. lavatory joke n. at lavatory n. Compounds 3.

ΚΠ

1942 B. Biber et al. Child Life in School iii. 127 Sometimes toilet jokes had nothing amusing about them from an adult, or even an average seven-year-old point of view.

1979 Globe & Mail (Toronto) (Nexis) 23 June After watching the first episode, I was grateful for the absence of toilet jokes, a mainstay of British humor.

2009 L. Stratyner & J. R. Keller Deep End of South Park 3 We need not cite the episodes based on more esoteric sources to prove that South Park is more than juvenile toilet jokes.

† toilet-lucubration n. Obsolete rare thoughts that arise while washing and dressing.

ΚΠ

1721 C. Cibber Refusal ii. 23 Vanity is the only Fruit of Toilet-Lucubrations.

toilet mirror n. (a) = toilet glass n. (now chiefly historical); (b) chiefly British a mirror in a toilet.

ΚΠ

1792 St. James's Chron. 27 Sept. The eleventh armoire has the toilet mirror, which was given to Maria of Medicis by the States of Venice.

1876 W. E. Griffis Mikado's Empire ii. iii. 364 Wooden buildings, open to the street, were filled with pretty young girls..having their hair dressed, sitting idle, or engaged at their toilet mirrors.

1978 Sight & Sound Spring 103/1 The atmosphere..is gradually eclipsed by elegant dolly shots of Jonathan..seen through frames in his Paris hotel room or in the toilet mirror on the train.

1991 Jrnl. Design Hist. 4 237/2 The bedroom would be supplied with a black and gold bedstead.., a washstand and toilet fittings, and a chest of drawers and a toilet mirror.

2001 Sunday Mercury (Birmingham) 12 Aug. 34 I used to go out for drinks with my mates and catch sight of myself in the toilet mirror.

toilet mouth n. colloquial (originally U.S.) a foul-mouthed person; (also) a tendency to be foul-mouthed; cf. potty mouth n. at potty n. Compounds.

ΚΠ

1970 San Antonio (Texas) Express 31 Dec. 7 b/1 At every New Year's Eve party there will be a Harry Toilet Mouth. When he gets sufficiently oiled, Toilet Mouth will launch into a verbal contest with the men's room wall.

1991 Lewiston (Idaho) Morning Tribune (Nexis) 14 Apr. 1 f Unlike most of the toilet mouths in this world, he understands that cursing is not something to be done lightly.

2005 M. Robotham Lost xviii. 200 ‘Who is he?’ ‘A nasty toerag with a toilet mouth and a taste for pimping.’

toilet pail n. (a) a pail for holding dirty water as part of an arrangement for washing in a person's bedroom (obsolete); (b) = toilet bucket n. (b).

ΚΠ

1833 J. Bennett Artificer's Compl. Lexicon for Terms & Prices 457 Showers and other baths and pans. Toilet pails.

1858 P. L. Simmonds Dict. Trade Products Toilet-pail, a tin pail for holding slops in a bedroom.

1993 I. Okpewho Tides (1994) 98 I could hardly sleep that first night. One reason was the stench from the toilet pail in our cell.

toilet powder n. a form of dusting powder for the skin used after washing or bathing, talcum powder.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > attention and judgement > beautification > beautification of the person > beautification of the skin or complexion > [noun] > preparations for the skin or complexion > powders

powder1538

rice powder1772

face powder1788

toilet powder1833

French white1844

baby powder1853

violet powder1856

poudre de riz1859

splash1863

papier poudré1907

powder cake1925

1833 Columbia (S. Carolina) Telescope 21 May (advt.) J. R. & W. C. have just received an elegant assortment of Perfumery, viz:..Toilet Powder, Seidlitz Powders, Lip Salve, &c. &c.

1840 Daily Picayune (New Orleans) 28 July 4/1 [Merchandise includes]..perfumed toilet and pearl powders.

1895 Army & Navy Co-op. Soc. Price List 717/2 Cherry Blossom Toilet Powder.

1981 W. A. Jackson Victorian Chemist & Druggist (1993) 20/1 Boxes were also made to hold toilet powders.

2009 M. Marsh Compacts & Cosmetics iii. 48 Toilet powder was applied with lambswool.

toilet quilt n. now rare a cover for a dressing table.

ΚΠ

1836 Belfast News-Let. 23 Sept. 3/2 (advt.) A case of toilet quilts has just been opened, containing a variety of splendid new patterns.

1858 P. L. Simmonds Dict. Trade Products Toilet-quilt, a bed-cover or cover for the dressing-table.

1905 Fitchburg (Mass.) Daily Sentinel 7 June 3/6 (advt.) June Sale of White Toilet Quilts.

toilet room n. (a) a dressing room (now historical); (b) (U.S.) a wash room; a room containing a toilet or toilets (now rare).

ΘΚΠ

society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > parts of building > room > room by type of use > [noun] > room for keeping clothes or dressing

wardrobec1440

garderobe?c1450

vestiaryc1450

vestuaryc1490

vestry1574

guarda-roba1602

dressing room1659

robe chamber1665

tire-room1681

robes-roomc1689

apodyteriuma1695

robing room1712

attiring-room1756

toilet1790

toilet chamber1798

toilet room1800

changing room1841

dressing shed1845

change room1886

1800 W. Tooke Hist. Russia II. 428 We first enter a set of apartments, that are fitted up as toilette-rooms for the ladies.

1853 Maine Liquor Law Deb. 1852 9/2 But if we step from the street and parlor to the toilet rooms of the fair ones of our land, we must there behold a government official necessarily in attendance to draw their corset-strings.

1854 Ann. Rep. Board Educ. San Francisco 9 The other apartments are for toilet rooms for both sexes, on first and second floors.

1895 Laws Wisconsin 795 To have at least four seat closets placed in the toilet room adjoining the assembly and at least two in the toilet room adjoining the senate.

1906 C. A. Huling Lett. of Business Woman to her Niece xv. 164 Bathe and don your garments in the toilet room, being fully attired on leaving that retreat.

1909 Pop. Mech. Oct. 535 Figure 16 illustrates a chair designed for use in a toilet room.

1961 R. H. van Gulik Sexual Life in Anc. China vi. 168 The wealthy official Shih Ch'ung..had more than ten beautiful girls..always stand at attendance in the toilet room to help the guest ‘change clothes’.

1991 Motor Boat & Yachting Jan. 301/1 (advt.) Comfortable cabin for 3 with exquisitely designed toilet room.

toilet seat n. (a) a seat for a dressing table; (b) an approximately oval ring of plastic or wood fitting the top of a toilet bowl, typically hinged at the back for lifting, on which a person sits in order to urinate or defecate; a lavatory seat.

ΘΚΠ

the world > physical sensation > cleanness and dirtiness > sanitation > privy or latrine > [noun] > water-closet or lavatory > W.C. appliances > seat of

toilet seat1829

seat1907

society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > furniture and fittings > seat > chair > [noun] > other chairs

farthingale chair1552

side chair1582

high chair1609

scroll chair1614

Turkey chair1683

curule chair1695

reading chair1745

rush-bottom1754

conversation-chair1793

Windsor tub1800

Trafalgar chair1808

beehive-chair1816

nursing chair1826

Hitchcockc1828

toilet seat1829

kangaroo1834

prie-dieu1838

tub-chair1839

barrel-chair1850

Cromwell chair1868

office chair1874

swivel-chair1885

steamer-chair1886

suggan chair1888

lawn chair1895

saddle seat1895

Bombay chair1896

veranda-chair1902

X chair1904

Yorkshire chair1906

three legs and a swinger1916

saddlebag1919

riempie stool1933

gaspipe chair1934

slipper chair1938

Eames chair1946

contour chair1948

sling-back1948

sling chair1957

booster chair1960

booster seat1967

beanbag1969

sack chair1970

papasan1980

Muskoka chair1987

1829 Examiner 22 Nov. 742/1 Make beauty's throne a toilet-seat, And thus, at your imperial feet, Behold the Church in danger!

1906 Albright's Office Practitioner Dec. 313/2 The patient should also be warned of the extremely infectious nature of his discharges and urged to exercise every precaution as regards toilet seats, clothing, utensils, etc.

1982 J. Aiken Whisper in Night 114 A small round lavatory, with a mahogany Victorian toilet seat.

2005 J. Weiner Goodnight Nobody i. 9 ‘Mommy, he's drownding the baby,’ Sophie observed from the toilet seat.

toilet service n. (a) (perhaps) service to ladies; (b) a set of utensils used for washing, arranging the hair, etc.Sense (a) apparently represents an isolated use.

ΚΠ

1786 J. O'Keeffe Songs Siege of Curzola 2 At bugle, spangle, gauze, or fan, For toilette service he's the man.

1855 ‘G. Eliot’ in Fraser's Mag. June 706/1 A decanter and a sugar-basin or pie-dish, are an ample toilette service for them.

1990 Antique Collector Oct. 15 (caption) A magnificent George II toilet service by David Willaume II.

toilet set n. a set of articles used in washing, arranging the hair, applying make-up, shaving, etc.

ΚΠ

1814 Times 21 July 4/4 (advt.) Toilet sets, wine coolers, &c.

1853 Rec. First Exhib. Metrop. Mechanics' Inst. 30 1 toilet set, consisting of 6 pieces, viz: 1 foot tub, 1 slop bucket,1 water can, 1 basin, 1 ewer, 1 slop jar, 1 water cooler, and 1 platewarmer.

1891 O. Wilde Picture of Dorian Gray viii. 138 A chased silver Louis-Quinze toilet-set.

1977 G. Marton Alarum 6 The New Yorkers on top of Claire's toilet set.

2003 Art Q. Spring 39/3 Sadly Lady Henrietta died in 1769, leaving behind her glittering silver-gilt toilette set.

toilet soap n. soap used for washing oneself (as opposed to laundry soap, etc.).

ΚΠ

1817 Repertory Arts, Manuf., & Agric. 30 314 The transparent toilet soaps, which are made from an alcoholic solution of soap evaporated to dryness, are all of a yellow brown colour.

1895 Montgomery Ward Catal. Spring & Summer 109/2 Milled Toilet Soaps..a fine milled delicately perfumed toilet soap.

2003 M. M. Chakrabarty Chem. & Technol. of Oils & Fats xviii. 611 The manufacture of toilet soap of desired quality is not easy.

toilet sponge n. a sponge of fine texture for washing.

ΚΠ

1826 Aberdeen Jrnl. 1 Nov. 2/5 (advt.) All sorts of Combs, Brushes, Cutlery, Dressing Cases, Toilette Sponges, in any quantities, and in great variety.

1910 Fort Wayne (Indiana) Sentinel 16 Sept. 20 Balm of Almonds is a complexion powder in paste form... It is applied with a small toilet sponge.

1996 O. Thulesius Edison in Florida xi. 96 It [sc. sponge] was the biggest trade product of Key West, used not only in the household as toilet sponges but in surgery for removing blood.

toilet stall n. †(a) a stall where toiletries are sold (obsolete); (b) any of a number of cubicles within a public toilet.

ΚΠ

1894 Aberdeen Weekly Jrnl. 2 May 4/7 An idea..which has not yet become hopelessly hackneyed, is that of ‘toilet stall’, which is devoted to the sale of every imaginable kind of toilet accessory.

1909 F. S. Allen in E. Hyatt School Archit. & School Improvem. (Calif. Dept. Public Instruction) 11 It is a good plan to have a ‘service’ room two or three feet wide behind the toilet stalls.

1978 R. Ludlum Holcroft Covenant xxiii. 265 If they let the weapon through, he was to reassemble it immediately, in the toilet stall of a men's room.

2008 Atlantic Monthly Nov. 100 I could have ripped up these counterfeit boarding passes in the privacy of a toilet stall.

toilet table n. a dressing table equipped with utensils and materials for grooming, arranging the hair, applying make-up, etc.

ΘΚΠ

society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > furniture and fittings > table > [noun] > dressing table

toilet1667

dressing table1668

toilet table1753

dresser1828

kidney table1845

duchesse dressing-table1863

poudreuse1902

vanity table1936

vanity1937

1753 R. Shiels & T. Cibber Lives Poets Great Brit. & Irel. IV. 92 She caused an image of him to be every day placed at her toilet-table, to which she would talk as to the living Mr. Congreve.

1841 Mrs. Mozley Lost Brooch II. xv. 109 The trinket case was on the toilette table, and open.

1902 Daily Chron. 20 June 10/4 Visitors to London..see her now at her toilet table.

1992 A. Kurzweil Case of Curiosities xxxv. 232 She reapplied her face as much as she could without aid of toilet table and domestic.

toilet tent n. a tent in which one or more toilets are housed, esp. in a camp or at an outdoor special event.

ΘΚΠ

the world > physical sensation > cleanness and dirtiness > sanitation > privy or latrine > [noun] > tent

toilet tent1886

1886 F. H. Buffum Sheridan's Veterans II. 111 Members of the party will pleasantly remember William Donnal, a veteran of the Fourteenth New York, who came into camp, took charge of the gentleman's toilet tent, and contributed in many ways to the comfort of the party.

1969 Guardian 2 Sept. 6/7 A crushed marquee, two burnt-out toilet tents, and a partly demolished fence.

2010 J. Green Murder High Himalayas (2011) xii. 144 A man was hiding in the toilet tent.

toilet tissue n. tissue paper, usually in small sheets or on a roll, used for wiping oneself clean after defecation or urination.

ΘΚΠ

the world > physical sensation > cleanness and dirtiness > sanitation > privy or latrine > [noun] > lavatory paper

bum fodder1650

arsewipe1677

toilet paper1877

toilet roll1881

toilet tissue1887

lavatory paper1888

bumf1912

TP1940

asswipe1958

1887 Boston Daily Globe 6 Feb. 5/8 (advt.) Three thousand sheets Toilet Tissue.

1968 N. Giovanni in W. King Black Short Story Anthol. (1972) 30 We'd get slightly used toilet tissue with an article on it or brown paper bags with short sayings or just a note to say they dig us.

1982 Verbatim Summer 5/1 Take lavatory paper, or, in the genteel euphemism of Adspeak, toilet tissue.

2003 S. Brown Free Gift Inside! 109 The Gucci logo even appeared..on rolls of ‘luxury’ toilet tissue.

toilet train v. transitive to train (a child) to use the toilet.

ΘΚΠ

society > education > upbringing > [verb (transitive)] > toilet-train

pot1943

toilet train1951

potty-train1960

pot-train1961

1951 Charleston (W. Va.) Gaz. 5 Mar. 10/8 They were toilet trained at sixteen months, by the use of praise and no punishment.

1958 M. A. Faegre et al. Child Care & Training (ed. 8) vii. 95 A mother tired of washing diapers may seek to toilet train a child too soon.

1980 A. Cornelisen Flight from Torregreca x. 202 The long process of toilet training her children.

2012 Independent 7 Feb. 14/2 Rising numbers of children are starting school without having been toilet trained.

toilet trained adj. that has been trained to use the toilet.

ΘΚΠ

society > education > upbringing > [adjective] > toilet-trained

toilet trained1940

potty-trained1953

pot-trained1958

the world > physical sensation > cleanness and dirtiness > sanitation > privy or latrine > [adjective] > trained to use chamber-pot (child)

toilet trained1940

potty-trained1953

pot-trained1958

1940 A. Gesell & C. S. Amatruda in A. Gesell et al. First Five Years of Life iii. xiii. 305 Feeds self with bread with great effort. Toilet trained since 11 months.

1961 Guardian 8 May 6/1 When a baby shows signs of being ‘toilet trained’ a mother can look forward to the end of nappy washing.

2012 Pittsburgh Tribune Rev. (Nexis) 13 Feb. My little sister is almost 4, and she still isn't toilet trained.

toilet-training n. the training of a child to use the toilet.

ΘΚΠ

society > education > upbringing > [noun] > habit-training > toilet-training

toilet-training1926

potty training1946

potting1948

pot-training1960

the world > physical sensation > cleanness and dirtiness > sanitation > privy or latrine > [noun] > close-stool or commode > for a child > causing or training to use

toilet-training1926

potty training1946

potting1948

pot-training1960

1926 J. Taft in K. Young Source Bk. for Social Psychol. iii. xiv. 372 The peculiar nature of her infantile experience with defecation and toilet training.

1973 E.-J. Bahr Nice Neighbourhood ii. 19 I hope Women's Lib never gets to hear about it, but..it was like fun to sit and talk about toilet training.

2007 Courier-Mail (Brisbane) 24 Nov. (Qweekend section) 14/1 (heading) Toilet-training is a fraught subject. Everyone thinks they know best and that everyone else's kids are being taught the wrong way.

toilet-vase n. a vase used as a water container when washing oneself.

ΚΠ

1846 Daily National Intelligencer (Washington) 16 Feb. (advt.) Green and Gold Toilet Vase.

1918 J. D. Beazley Attic Red-figured Vases Amer. Museums xix. 188 The toilet-vase called lekanis is rarely decorated with pictures before the free period.

1991 Amer. Jrnl. Archaeol. 95 437/1 A set of gold toilet-vases has been shown to belong to the central or southern burials.

toilet vinegar n. aromatic vinegar used as an emollient.

ΚΠ

1816 Repertory Arts, Manuf., & Agric. June 60 Toilette vinegar is obtained in the same manner as those just described, except that it is filtered a second time, in order to purify and concentrate it still more.

1867 M. E. Herbert Cradle Lands viii. 218 Even scented soap and toilette vinegar were ransacked from his stores.

1897 E. A. Bartlett Battlefields of Thessaly vi. 122 A great variety of Parisian perfumes, eau-de-cologne and toilet vinegar.

2004 J. R. Piggott Palace of People iv. 117/2 There were three Rimmel fountains, all designed by John Thomas, dispensingeau de Cologne, Sydenham Crystal Palace Bouquet, and toilet vinegar.

toilet water n. [after French eau de toilette (see eau de toilette n. at eau n. f)] a dilute form of perfume, esp. one largely alcoholic in content used as a skin freshener; eau de toilette.

ΚΠ

1772 tr. P.-J. Buc'hoz Toilet of Flora 68 (heading) Nosegay or Toilet Water.

1857 C. Dickens Little Dorrit ii. xiv. 442 A bottle of sweet toilette water.

1989 A. Tan Joy Luck Club 92 A less greedy girl..received a glass vial of lavender toilet water.

Derivatives

toiˈletic adj. now rare of or relating to the toilet.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > attention and judgement > beautification > beautification of the person > [adjective] > relating to cosmetics

cosmetical1559

cosmetic1650

toiletic1825

1825 Lancet 12 Mar. 303/1 The affectation of the simplex munditiis could not disguise the assumed indifference to toiletic arrangements and exterior appearance.

1879 S. W. Baker Cyprus 13 He..plunged into..their numerous small packages, rumpling clean linen, and producing a toilettic chaos.

1998 Crit. Inq. 24 509 There is a clear toiletic intertextuality between this project and Marcel Duchamp's Fountain.

This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2014; most recently modified version published online June 2022).

单词	toilet
释义	toiletn. Brit. /ˈtɔɪlᵻt/, U.S. /ˈtɔɪlᵻt/ Forms: 1600s tuillet, 1600s twilet, 1600s twillet, 1600s–1700s toillet, 1600s–1800s toylet, 1600s–1800s twilight, 1600s– toilet, 1600s– toilette, 1700s toilett, 1700s toillette, 1700s toylett; also Scottish pre-1700 tolat, pre-1700 tuelet, pre-1700 tulat, pre-1700 tulate, pre-1700 tulet, pre-1700 tuliet; U.S. regional 1900s– terlet (New York), 1900s– tollet (chiefly southern and New England), 1900s– torlet. Origin: A borrowing from French. Etymon: French toilette. Etymology: < Middle French toilete, toillete, Middle French, French toilette, French †toillette piece of cloth serving as a wrapper or covering for clothes (1352 as teillette , tellette ), bag or case for nightclothes (end of the 16th cent.), cloth cover for a dressing table (1599 as thoilette ), the articles required or used in applying make-up, arranging the hair, dressing, etc., collectively (1661), action of preparing oneself to appear in public (by dressing, washing, etc.) (1679), visit paid to, or reception of visitors by, a lady during the concluding stages of her toilette (1688, in the passage translated in quot. 1688 at sense 6, or earlier) < toile , toille cloth (see toil n.²) + -ete , -ette -et suffix¹. Compare tillet n.¹, which shows an earlier adaptation of a variant form of the French noun.Specific senses. The word in English has shown considerable continuing semantic influence from French. In sense 5b after French toilette (1829 in this sense; more fully toilette d'un condamné , toilette des condamnés ). Compare the following earlier instance of the French noun in this sense, in an English context:1839 J. G. Millingen Stories of Torres Vedras I. v. 210 The sentence was most welcome, and she gladly yielded her once beautiful hair to the toilette de la guillotine. In sense 5c after French toilette (1836 in this sense). In sense 5d after French toilette (J. Worms 1860, in Gaz. hebdomadaire de méd. et de chirurg. 7 806, originally in toilette de la cavité abdominale ). With the development of sense 8 compare French toilette place for washing oneself (1858); the sense ‘lavatory’ is apparently first attested later than in English: 1902, earliest in papier toilette toilet paper. With use in sense 7 compare French toilette denoting a woman's costume (1776). Specific forms. In form toilette now usually pronounced /twɑːˈlɛt/, reflecting the French pronunciation /twalɛt/. This form is now largely restricted to senses 5a, 6, and 7. The form twilight reflects folk-etymological association with twilight n. (probably from the 17th-cent. forms twilet, twillet). †1. a. Chiefly Scottish. A piece of cloth used as a wrapper or covering for clothes. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > [noun] > wrapper for toilet1538 the world > space > relative position > condition of being external > covering > wrapping > [noun] > a wrapping > for clothes toilet1538 1538 in J. B. Paul Accts. Treasurer Scotl. (1907) VII. 86 vj quartaris of ȝallow bukram to be ane tulate to ane goune of gray dalmes of the kingis grace maid of before, and had to Striveling. 1540 in R. Pitcairn Criminal Trials Scotl. (1830) I. 302 For pointis to þe Cote and brekis, and ane Tulat to þe Cote..iij s. 1541 in R. Pitcairn Criminal Trials Scotl. (1830) I. 318 For ix elnis blak freis, to lyne þe Cote... Item, for pointis and ane tolat to turs it to Sanct Johnestoune. 1541 in J. B. Paul Accts. Treasurer Scotl. (1908) VIII. 22 For ane tulet to thir clathis quhilkis wer deliverit be Thomas Arthuir to the Kingis grace. 1611 R. Cotgrave Dict. French & Eng. Tongues Toilette, a Toylet; the stuffe which Drapers lap about their clothes; also, a bag to put night-clothes, and buckeram, or other stuffe to wrap any other clothes, in. 1672 E. Ashmole Inst. Order of Garter v. 181 (margin) Toilet, or Toilette, called also Tavayoile, is a large Napkin, or cloth, usually laid over Womens dresses, and other Clothes after they are spred on a Table. b. A bag or case for nightclothes. Obsolete.Found only in dictionaries. ΘΚΠ society > travel > aspects of travel > a journey > [noun] > luggage > travelling bag > hand-held mailc1275 clothesack1393 cloak-bagc1540 portmanteau1553 valance?a1562 pockmanty1575 cap-case1577 cloak-bearer1580 night baga1618 valisea1630 toilet1656 Roger1665 shirt case1823 weekend case1827 carpet-bag1830 holdall1851 handbag1859 suitcase1873 sample case1875 gripsack1877 case1879 grip1879 Gladstone (bag)1882 traveller1895 vanity-case1913 luggage1915 revelation1923 two-suiter1923 overnight bag1925 one-suiter1933 suiter1933 overnight case1934 Samsonite1939 flight bag1943 Pullman1946 grip-bag1958 overnighter1959 carry-on1960 Vuitton1975 go bag1991 1656 T. Blount Glossographia Toylet (Fr. toylette), a bag or cloth to put night clothes in. 1858 P. L. Simmonds Dict. Trade Products Toilet, a bag or case for night-clothes. c. A shawl to cover the head or shoulders; spec. a cloth put over the shoulders during shaving or hairdressing. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > clothing for head or neck or body > [noun] > shawl toilet1664 shawl1767 wrapper1838 Paisley1849 spread1857 throw1887 the mind > attention and judgement > beautification > beautification of the person > beautification of the hair > implements used in styling the hair > [noun] > towel shaving-cloth1540 toilet1664 1664 T. Killigrew Thomaso v. vi, in Comedies & Trag. 375 How Propa this little Rogue is, in every thing! Night gowne, slippers, Cap, and Toylet? As brave as if she were to marry some Prince to night. 1687 A. Lovell tr. J. de Thévenot Trav. into Levant iii. 37 When they go abroad, they wear a Chal which is a kind of toilet of very fine Wool made at Cachmir. 1691 J. Phillips tr. Plutarch Morals IV. 272 Pleasant..was the Answer of Archelaus to the Barber, who after he had cast the Linnen Toylet about his Shoulders, put this Question to him, How shall I trim your Majesty? Without any more Prating, quoth the King. 1714 tr. M. Misson New Voy. Italy (ed. 4) I. i. 329 The ordinary citizens Wives and Daughters wear a kind of Toilet on their Heads, with a long Fringe which covers their Faces, and drives away the Flies like Horse-trappings. †2. A cloth cover for a dressing table, formerly often of rich material and workmanship; = toilet cover n. at Compounds 2. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > furniture and fittings > covers or hangings > [noun] > cover for furniture > for dressing table toilet1665 toilet cover1772 petticoat1880 1665 J. B. tr. P. Scarron Comical Romance ix. 48 Two Gentlewomen masked, and a little Dwarf with his vizard on likewise, came to undress him, afafter [sic] they had spread a most sumptuous Toillet on a side Table. 1682 London Gaz. No. 1739/4 A gold-coloured Tabby Twilet and Pincushion with Silver Lace. 1683 London Gaz. No. 1811/4 Stolen the 20th Instant, a Toilet of blew Velvet, with a Gold and Silver Fringe. 1696 E. Phillips New World of Words (new ed.) Toilet, a kind of Table-cloth, or Carpet of Silk, Sattins, Velvet or Tissue, spread upon a Table in a Bed-chamber. 1703 Country Farmer's Catech. in J. O. Halliwell & T. Wright Nares's Gloss. (1867) II. 488/2 Not to spend their time in knit-knots, patch-work, fine twilights. 1735 Select Trials Old-Bailey II. 331/1 A Toilette (or Covering for a Dressing-Table). 1767 M. Delany Autobiogr. & Corr. (1862) 2nd Ser. I. 104 Your fancy about taking a gimp round the flowers on the toilet would be pretty, but too much work. 1858 P. L. Simmonds Dict. Trade Products Toilet,..a cotton cover for a dressing-table. †3. The dressing table covered by this cloth; a toilet table. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > furniture and fittings > table > [noun] > dressing table toilet1667 dressing table1668 toilet table1753 dresser1828 kidney table1845 duchesse dressing-table1863 poudreuse1902 vanity table1936 vanity1937 1667 G. Digby Elvira iv. 58 (stage direct.) Re-enter Donna Blanca and Francisca as in Blanca's chamber, and she newly seated at her Toilet, and beginning to unpin. c1695 M. Prior Ode: Merchant 6 My darling lyre, Upon Euphelia's toilet lay. 1709 M. Prior Hans Carvel 60 An untouch'd Bible grac'd her toilet: No fear that thumb of hers should spoil it. 1789 E. Gibbon Autobiogr. (1854) 100 My book was on every table, and almost on every toilette. 1803 M. Charlton Wife & Mistress (ed. 2) I. 118 I have made up a twilight in her room, and put my white taffety pin~cushion upon it. 1819 W. Scott Bride of Lammermoor xii, in Tales of my Landlord 3rd Ser. II. 301 On the toilette beside, stood an old-fashioned mirror, in a fillagree frame. 1838 W. Wallace Contin. Mackintosh's Hist. Eng. VIII. v. 188 The letter of the princess Anne, said to have been left by her on her toilet, was not delivered. 1847 W. Hazlitt tr. A. de Vigny Cinq-Mars xvii. 201 Her eyes often glanced towards the mirror on the toilet, in which she watched the symmetry of her beauty. 1887 D. Russell Broken Seal III. xv. 276 She went to the toilet to place the jewel case there. 4. As a mass noun. The articles required or used in applying make-up, arranging the hair, dressing, etc.; a toilet set. Also: a case containing these. Now historical and rare. ΘΚΠ the mind > attention and judgement > beautification > beautification of the person > beautification of the skin or complexion > [noun] > sets and containers for dressing box1607 toileta1684 dressing case1778 service1851 toiletry1892 powder bowl1894 vanity bag1907 vanity-box1911 powder compact1920 compact1921 vanity set1930 flapjack1934 minaudière1940 the world > physical sensation > cleanness and dirtiness > cleaning > cleaning or cleanliness of the person > [noun] > bag or case for toilet utensils dressing box1607 toilet1728 toilet box1729 dressing case1778 toilet case1807 wet pack1928 Dopp kit1937 a1684 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1662 (1955) III. 323 The greate looking-Glasse & Toilet of beaten & massive Gold was given by the Q: Mother. 1718 Lady M. W. Montagu Let. 10 Mar. (1965) I. 384 In her bed chamber her Toilet was display'd, consisting of 2 looking Glasses [etc.]. 1728 E. Chambers Cycl. (at cited word) The Dressing-Box, wherein are kept the Paints, Pomatums, Essences, Patches, &c. the Pin-cushion, Powder-Box, Brushes, &c. are esteem'd Parts of the Equipage of the Ladies Toilet. 1763 C. Johnstone Reverie (new ed.) II. 16 How can you intrude so rudely into a lady's ruelle? You see I have set out my toilet. 1815 Chron. in Ann. Reg. 53/2 A superb toilet of plate. 1853 E. K. Kane U.S. Grinnell Exped. iii. 26 To one long string was fastened..my entire toilet, a tooth-brush, a comb, and a hair-brush. 1997 M. Bray in M. B. Duberman Queer World ii. xvi. 211 Pope's poetical description of the enticing contents of Belinda's female toilet..would have been familiar material to any seventeenth-century satirist. 5. a. Frequently in form toilette. The action or process of washing, dressing, or arranging the hair. Frequently in to make one's toilet. ΘΚΠ the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > providing with clothing > [noun] > in specific way > dressing and washing or grooming toilet1684 toileting1793 toiletry1851 the world > physical sensation > cleanness and dirtiness > cleaning > washing > washing oneself or body > [noun] lotiona1513 ablution1664 toilet1684 washing1896 1684 tr. 'Le Sieur Combes' Hist. Explic. Versailles 32 She was given to understand, being at her Toilette, of the death of her Husband. 1712 A. Pope Rape of Locke i, in Misc. Poems 360 The long Labours of the Toilette cease. 1726 J. Swift Cadenus & Vanessa 7 Every Trifle that employs The out or inside of their Heads, Between their Toylets and their Beds. 1777 F. Burney Early Jrnls. & Lett. (1990) II. 259 Mrs Wall was still at her Toilette! 1822 W. Irving Bracebridge Hall I. 62 She actually spent an hour longer at her toilette, and made her appearance with her hair uncommonly frizzed and powdered. 1835 C. Colton Four Yrs. in Great Brit. II. 311 The wife of a Winnebago chief..came from making her toilet over the mirror-surface of Fox River. 1850 W. Wordsworth Prelude vii. 552 There have I seen a comely Bachelor Fresh from a toilette of two hours. 1890 G. Gissing Emancipated I. i. iii. 83 But when at length he appeared at the dinner-table, once more fresh from his toilet, then did a gleam of animation transform his countenance. 1925 W. de la Mare Broomsticks 122 Miss Chauncey proceeded to make her toilet for the night. 1939 T. S. Eliot Old Possum's Bk. Pract. Cats 20 They make their toilette and take their repose. 1991 Boston Globe 1 Sept. (Mag.) 30/3 For fans of the long, leisurely toilette, Nuts About Beauty is a little piece of heaven. 2000 T. Tierney Tudor & Elizabethan Fashions 37 Here is an Elizabethan lady at her toilet, shown wearing a floral embroidered silk chemise under her boned corset. b. Preparation for execution (esp. by guillotine). Now historical. ΘΚΠ society > authority > punishment > capital punishment > [noun] > infliction of > preparation for toilet1853 1853 Harper's New Monthly Mag. Oct. 611/2 They simulated the toilet of the condemned, preparing the neck for the knife, by feigning to cut the hair and the collar. 1885 E. F. Du Cane Punishm. & Prevent. Crime ii. 23 The hangman was not allowed to enter the gaol even to receive his wage, but was paid over the gates, the ‘toilette’ or pinioning being performed by the ‘yeomen of the halter’. 1903 R. Gower Rec. & Reminisc. 281 The ghastly ceremony of his toilette [for the guillotine], as they call the pinioning and cutting off the hair at the back of his head. 1910 T. Hopkins Women Napoleon Loved iii. 66 Clients hang up their hats within a yard or two of the spot where Samson's assistants performed the ‘toilet’ of the condemned. 1934 Studies: Irish Q. Rev. 23 58 The toilet preparations of the victims doomed to the guillotine were hastily completed. c. The cleaning of an animal, an object, a place, etc. ΘΚΠ the world > physical sensation > cleanness and dirtiness > cleaning > [noun] > an act of cleaning cleanse1760 toilet1862 clean-up1876 cleana1889 spruce-up1918 1862 Eclectic Mag. Oct. 268/1 M. Esquiros was struck with the delicate attention..with which the workman performed ‘the toilet’ of these saws and other dreadful implements. 1901 Daily Tel. 9 Mar. 9/6 The toilet of London—to use the picturesque phrase of an authority consulted yesterday—cannot be satisfactory unless the streets are flushed with water every night. 1907 C. Urban Cinematograph 21 The performance of the toilet of an ocean greyhound. 1913 E. Jepson Terrible Twins v. 125 Before breakfast they made the toilet of the six chosen kittens. 1958 E. O. James Myth & Ritual in Anc. Near East 89 Then he performed the Toilet of the image, made offerings to it and replaced it in the shrine. d. Surgery. Thorough cleaning of an operative field, esp. the peritoneal or pleural cavity, at the end of an operation; (also) cleaning or debridement of a wound. ΘΚΠ the world > health and disease > healing > medical treatment > surgery > other surgical practices > [noun] > cleansing part after operation toilet1865 1865 T. S. Wells tr. A. Courty in Dis. Ovaries I. 177 Then with fine sponges he [sc. Wells] wiped out the abdominal cavity, its walls, the intestines, and the pelvis, performing, according to the happy expression of M. Worms in the ‘Gazette Hebdominaire’, ‘the toilet of the peritoneum’ [Fr. toilette du péritoine]. 1879 Brit. Med. Jrnl. 24 May 790/1 Spencer Wells,..by his careful toilette of the peritoneum and extraperitoneal treatment of the pellicle, had, by guarding against septic infection, attained the results which astonished the German surgeons. 1910 Brit. Jrnl. Dental Sci. 53 631 Immediately after the tooth had been removed and the necessary surgical toilette completed, the premolar was subjected to a chemical and microscopical test. 1954 A. F. DePalma Dis. Knee ix. 458/1 Thorough cleansing of a wide area of skin up to the wound edges is the first step in the toilet of the wound. 1983 P. Aeberhard & P. A. Casey Reoperation Postoperative Abdominal Sepsis viii. 110/1 The reoperation consists of mediastinal and pleural toilet, drainage, gastrostomy and nasoesophageal intubation or cervical side-wall esophagostomy. 2003 J. Bohnen in M. Schein & J. C. Marshall Source Control v. 38 Peritoneal toilet functions as a surgical adjunct to controlling the initial, proximate source of peritoneal infection. 6. Chiefly in form toilette. The reception of visitors by a lady during the concluding stages of her toilet, esp. fashionable in the 18th cent. Now historical. ΘΚΠ society > leisure > social event > visit > [noun] > a reception of visitors > by lady during toilet toilet1688 1688 J. Phillips tr. Du Vignau Turkish Secretary 51 For indeed people never go thither to make their Court, nor do they attend at the Sultana's Toilets [Fr. Toillettes]. 1703 R. Steele Tender Husband i. i You shall introduce him to Mrs. Clerimont's Toilet. 1765 Ld. Chesterfield Let. 21 Mar. (1932) (modernized text) VI. 2649 I carried him a little time ago to a lady's toilette, who was delighted with him. 1786 F. Burney Diary 19 Aug. (1842) III. 120 I am forced to deny all admission to my toilette, as it has never taken place without making me too late. 1806 M. Edgeworth Leonora I. xli. 279 A gentleman had assisted at a lady's toilette. Nothing more simple, nothing more proper in the meridian of Paris. 1893 Austral. Jrnl. June 579/2 The blouse known as the Oassar is very becoming when of good material, and may be successfully worn with a nice skirt by ladies for ‘at home’ toilettes. 1925 Arts & Decoration Dec. 46/3 An invitation to the toilettes of the reigning beauties meant inclusion in fashionable society. 2006 J. Lizop tr. E. de Feydeau Scented Palace ii. 49 The toilette at which people might be presented to the Queen..took place at noon. 7. Chiefly in form toilette. Manner or style of dressing; dress, costume. Also (as a count noun): a dress or costume, a gown. Now archaic and rare.In quot. 1936: coiffure, hairdo. ΘΚΠ the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > [noun] wearing?c1225 guisec1275 attire1382 habita1420 shapea1425 trick1542 fashion1544 trim1579 suit shape1598 garb1608 form1664 toilet1752 macaroni dressa1777 turn-out1812 style1814 set-out1834 get-up1842 rig1843 feather1854 model1859 make-up1883 the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > providing with clothing > [noun] > manner or style of toilet1752 the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > clothing for body or trunk (and limbs) > [noun] > dress, robe, or gown > types of > as chief piece of woman's costume robinga1450 toilet1752 costume1797 1752 A. Hervey Let. 27 Nov. in 11th Rep. Royal Comm. Hist. MSS (1887) App. iv. 380 in Parl. Papers (C. 5060–111) XLVII. 309 'Tis so long (tell Lady Caroline) since I have seen so spruce a Toylet as hers. 1821 W. Scott Kenilworth I. iii. 50 His toilette had apparently cost him some labour, for his clothes..were of the newest fashion, and put on with great attention. 1849 W. M. Thackeray Pendennis (1850) I. xxiv. 229 Madame noted every article of toilette which the ladies wore. 1867 H. Latham Black & White 128 We observed some show of evening toilet. 1883 Truth 31 May 745/2 Lady Dudley's black toilette was much admired. 1904 Queen 30 Jan. 178/3 Entire lace gowns hung over chiffon slips made graceful toilettes. 1936 J. C. Powys Maiden Castle ix. 450 Nance..had suffered such a ruffling of her toilet that a couple of hairpins trailed across one of her ears. 1988 M. Warner Lost Father i. 10 He looked keenly at his image..assuring himself that his toilette was now soigné enough for a visit to the city. 8. A dressing room (in later use esp. one equipped with washing facilities); = toilet room n. (a) at Compounds 2. Now historical. ΘΚΠ society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > parts of building > room > room by type of use > [noun] > room for keeping clothes or dressing wardrobec1440 garderobe?c1450 vestiaryc1450 vestuaryc1490 vestry1574 guarda-roba1602 dressing room1659 robe chamber1665 tire-room1681 robes-roomc1689 apodyteriuma1695 robing room1712 attiring-room1756 toilet1790 toilet chamber1798 toilet room1800 changing room1841 dressing shed1845 change room1886 1790 R. Beilby & T. Bewick Gen. Hist. Quadrupeds 312 The comforter..is generally kept by the ladies as an attendant of the toilette or the drawing-room. 1819 Ld. Byron Don Juan: Canto I cliii. 79 There is the closet, there the toilet. 1858 P. L. Simmonds Dict. Trade Products Toilette (French), a dressing-table; an ante-room for dressing. 1909 Cent. Dict. Suppl. Toilet, a room designed as a dressing-room, especially one provided with facilities for bathing. 1978 Verbatim Sept. 5/2 Gradually the room where one attended to personal grooming or ‘made one's toilette’ came to be called just the toilet. 1995 R. Mack Arabian Nights (1998) 929 The term [sc. bagnio] is sometimes used in the [Arabian]Nights in a more general sense of ‘dressing room’ or ‘toilet’. 9. Originally U.S. a. A room, building, or cubicle fitted for people to urinate and defecate in, usually with facilities for hand washing. Cf. slightly earlier toilet room n. (b) at Compounds 2.When denoting such a place for public use, frequently in plural.public toilet: see public adj. and n. Compounds 1b.In North American use, bathroom is now more usual, and, for a public facility, restroom is very common in the U.S.In the U.K. during the mid 20th cent., this sense and sense 9b were designated as ‘non-U’ (not upper-class): cf. 1954 A. S. C. Ross in Neuphilologische Mitteilungen 55 46 (list) Non-U toilet-paper / U lavatory-paper. ΘΚΠ the world > physical sensation > cleanness and dirtiness > sanitation > privy or latrine > [noun] > water-closet or lavatory closet1496 water closet1736 water closet1747 throne room1787 W.C.1815 netty1825 convenience1841 Johnny1847 lavabo1852 restrooma1856 small room1858 cloakroom1865 lavatory1874 bathroom1883 toilet1886 can1900 place1902 lav1913 washroom1919 head1920 lavvy1922 dike1923 smallest room1930 John1931 khazi1932 loo1940 biffy1942 Wa1953 shitcan1954 commode1958 cludgie1961 1886 Kane (Pa.) Leader 7 Oct. 2/2 He says the English railways are improving all the time... No toilets are provided, which make long distance traveling very injurious to the health. 1895 Oakland (Calif.) Tribune 6 Nov. 1/3 The men's public toilet was in a similar condition to that of a public toilet at a railroad station. 1914 Amer. Jrnl. Sociol. 20 154 [It] gives an idea of the over-large number of families and consequently of people using many of the toilets. 1930 F. J. Eble tr. H. Grisar Martin Luther v. 108 In the second story of this tower there was..the toilet (cloaca) of the monks. 1959 S. Gibbons Pink Front Door xviii. 222 Such a gentleman..always pretended not to see you if he met you coming out of the toilet. 1967 Sunday Truth (Austral.) 16 July 28/4 To save gas she washes in public toilets. 1979 L. Brown & J. Brown Our Miracle called Louise i. 16 A harsh voice beat against the door of a toilet at the home. I had bolted myself inside. 2006 Daily Tel. 19 Jan. 10/4 She took to hiding in the toilets at school. b. A fixed receptacle into which a person can urinate or defecate, typically consisting of a large bowl (with a ring-shaped liftable seat and usually a lid) connected by plumbing to a system for flushing away the waste into the sewer; a lavatory, a water closet; (also) a similar appliance where the waste is disposed of in the earth or treated with chemicals.chemical toilet: see chemical adj. and n. Compounds 3. ΘΚΠ the world > physical sensation > cleanness and dirtiness > sanitation > privy or latrine > [noun] > water-closet or lavatory > W.C. appliances lavatory basin1854 suite1883 toilet1894 lavatory1903 lavatory bowl1915 throne1922 potty1937 plumbing1950 1894 N.Y. Court of Appeals: Rec. & Briefs 19 Dec. (1897) 134 I saw him sitting on the toilet with all his clothes on. 1897 Misc. Rep. (N. Y.) 20 728 This was a toilet or urinal where they used some kind of chemicals to keep it clear and free from disagreeable odors. 1917 C. R. Wadhams Simple Direct. for Chambermaid 50 The toilet should be kept absolutely clean. Hot water with washing soda or cleanser is often needed to clean it thoroughly, using the chamber-cloth or toilet brush for that purpose. 1955 A. Huxley Genius & Goddess 109 She..poured the perfume into the toilet and pulled the plug. 1968 B. Hines Kestrel for Knave 193 He struck a match. A moment while it flared, then two urinals, a toilet in a doorless cubicle, and the sink without a tap. 2010 Viz Apr. Gloss. 40/1 Waking up at the conclusion of a refreshing, post-pub, drunken snooze on the toilet. 10. A small, run-down, or disreputable club, music venue, bar, etc. Also more generally: any place which is regarded as unpleasant or in poor condition. Also attributive, as toilet circuit, toilet venue, etc. ΚΠ 1970 Playboy Sept. 48/2 The depressing daytime look of second-rate clubs in third-rate towns on the toilet circuit. 1972 R. B. Read Gastronomic Tour of Mexico 123 My friend Tony Monteleone has a devastating one-word label for a place he doesn't like: it's a toilet; Chicago, of course, is a toilet with the door open; New York is The Big Toilet. 1979 I. Melchior Watchdays of Abaddon iii. 38 Here the bars were real ‘toilets’. Prostitutes—male and female—hustling their bodies. 1995 J. Miller Voxpop xii. 169 I've been in bands in the past and played just about every toilet in London. 2002 Japan Times 8 May 14/2 After eight years plying speedy garage-punk at about 1,500 gigs in toilet venues across Scandinavia..they were just about covering rent and booze bills. 2011 Newcastle (Austral.) Herald (Nexis) 12 Nov. (Weekender section) 38 There's nothing like driving past the beaches and while the mall is a bit of a toilet, it's still our mall. Phrases colloquial. P1. Originally U.S. to go to the toilet.In North American use to go to the bathroom is now usual. a. To pay a visit to the toilet in order to urinate or defecate. ΚΠ 1897 Indianapolis Sun 27 Nov. Guldensuppe came upstairs and Mrs. Nack went to the toilet in the yard. 1905 Lawyers Rep. Annotated (Extra Annotated ed.) 21 293/2 The plaintiff partially dressed himself and went to the toilet, leaving his pocket-book lying upon the bedding of his berth. 1933 P. Cain Fast One (2004) iii. 85 ‘You'll stay here where I can hold a book on you. You stay here and in your same spot—only you can't go to the toilet without my okay’. 1990 T. Robbins Skinny Legs & All 256 She went to the toilet to take a pee. 2001 B. Hatch Internat. Gooseberry 14 Carlos got up to go to the toilet at the same moment as Dominique. b. To urinate or defecate. ΚΠ 1954 Jrnl. Educ. Psychol. 28 186 To have pants unbuttoned so he could go to the toilet. 1969 T. Alexander Children & Adolescents (2009) xiii. 300 Charles extended his rebellion to a refusal to have bowel movements and would not go to the toilet at all. 1995 Spy (N.Y.) Mar.–Apr. 30/2 Why do dogs always like to watch when you're going to the toilet? 2003 M. Haddon Curious Incident of Dog in Night-time 129 Joseph Fleming took his trousers off and went to the toilet all over the floor. P2. a. down the toilet: into a bad state; to the lowest possible level. Cf. down the pan at pan n.¹ Phrases 3. ΚΠ 1967 Times 20 Oct. 3/5 He said that England was ‘going down the toilet’. 1972 Daily Times-News (Burlington, N. Carolina) 17 Feb. 16 a/3 The movie business has gone down the toilet. 1980 TWA Ambassador Oct. 82/3 The gold market went right down the toilet. 1997 When Saturday Comes Jan. 36/1 The cameraman..could spend an age perfecting his angles, positions and profiles, but then see the whole lot disappear down the toilet as a result of somebody deliberately knocking everything over. 2003 Company June 70/1 My self-confidence went down the toilet. b. in the toilet: in a bad state or situation; ruined. ΚΠ 1977 Sunday Sun (Baltimore) 2 Jan. d1/3 This is why Hollywood is in the toilet. What the hell does Barbra Streisand know about directing or editing a movie? 1979 Washington Post (Nexis) 8 Apr. g1 We are doing action-adventure television. If they just ran into wonderful warm people every week, the ratings would really be in the toilet. 1991 J. Phillips You'll never eat Lunch in this Town Again (1992) 160 [He] is one of those guys who shows up just in time to put your marriage in the toilet for good. 2008 Daily Tel. 5 Dec. 26/6 Sterling is in the toilet because Britain's finances have been flushed away by a profligate administration whose Budget is in tatters. Compounds C1. General attributive (chiefly in senses 4 and 9 (when in both senses, now more usually the latter)). toilet article n. ΚΠ 1777 J. Richardson Dict., Persian, Arabic, & Eng. 1622 A purse in which women keep their mirrors and other toilette articles. 1868 7th Ann. Rep. State Board Agric. Michigan 351 Perfumery toilet articles. 1981 ‘J. Ross’ Dark Blue & Dangerous iv. 23 He checked the essentially male shaver and toilet articles. 2000 S. Bellow Ravelstein 212 My Borsalino, electric razor, toilet articles, CDs, et cetera, were stuffed into supermarket shopping bags. toilet cubicle n. ΚΠ 1924 Amer. Architect & Archit. Rev. 8 Oct. 16/1 The special accompanying features of the structure include..a swimming pool with removable toilet cubicles for both sexes. 1950 Daily Gleaner (Kingston, Jamaica) 3 Feb. 5/2 There are four toilet cubicles for the nearly six hundred pupils of the upper school. 2011 T. E. Kennedy Falling Sideways 75 At Østerport Station, in the men's room, in a locked toilet cubicle, he sat with his pants around his ankles. toilet jug n. ΚΠ 1839 Morning Post 1 Jan. 1/3 (advt.) Having been filled from the toilet-jug, it may be conveyed, unseen, in the pocket, or in a lady's reticule, to any appropriate place. 1913 C. Mackenzie Sinister St. I. ii. iv. 198 After trying to soak a shadowy tomcat down below with water from the toilet-jug Michael and Alan would undress. 2002 Western Morning News (Plymouth) (Nexis) 27 July 4 Some pieces are priced separately, like the red and white marbled toilet jug at £30. toilet kit n. ΚΠ 1857 M. Young Aldershot, & all about It v. 106 On the first of every month, it was necessary for him to produce his toilet ‘kit’ before the general. 1922 S. Lewis Babbitt xiii. 163 The leather seat piled with dingy toilet-kits, and the air nauseating with the smell of soap and toothpaste. 2005 J. McCann Build Perfect Survival Kit iii. xiii. 139 It was used to hold a toilet kit containing toilet paper, small zip-lock bags and small antibacterial wipes. toilet knickknack n. ΚΠ 1847 W. M. Thackeray Vanity Fair (1848) xxxi. 266 He would make a present of the silver essence-bottles and toilet knicknacks to a young lady. 1919 C. Morley Haunted Bookshop v. 99 Inside, the customary shelves of labelled jars, glass cases holding cigars, nostrums and toilet knick-knacks. 1982 M. Seide Common Wilderness (1983) viii. 214 She poked among the toilet knickknacks, but she could not find the fig leaf of her future. toilet lid n. ΚΠ 1917 Plumbers' Trade Jrnl. 1 Aug. 154/2 Before I cut my wisdom teeth as landlord, it was not beneath my dignity to peddle bids for laundry tubs and toilet lids. 1971 J. D. MacDonald Seven (1974) vi. 143 Turned toilet lid down. Sat on it. 2001 Denver Post 21 Jan. f5/5 I..instructed everyone to keep the toilet lids closed. toilet odds and ends n. ΚΠ 1878 Appletons' Jrnl. Dec. 553/2 In a certain part you can find a barber's, with large mirrors, and shelves filled with perfumes, cosmetics, and the toilet odds and ends that are offered for sale in the barber's shop ashore. 1909 E. Banks Myst. Frances Farrington xiv. 162 Toilet odds and ends, such as hair-pins, safety-pins,..thread and needles. 1972 M. O. Macgoye Murder in Majengo 60 If she bought two dresses and one set of underclothes, a pair of shoes and some toilet odds and ends she would be tolerably comfortable. toilet stand n. ΚΠ 1766 Gentleman's Mag. Dec. 558/1 A beautiful alabaster..intended for..her toilet-stand. 1899 K. Chopin Awakening xv. 110 She began to set the toilet-stand to rights. 1998 Pi Mag. Dec. 1/1 It's so embarrassing buying my puff off a walking toilet stand. toilet tank n. ΚΠ 1906 Cook County (Illinois) Herald 19 Jan. The poor fruit vender, from Arlington Heights, had the misfortune to drop his hat into the toilet tank at Ted Koch's place. 1974 R. B. Parker Godwulf Manuscript xvi. 126 There was nothing in the toilet tank. 2000 N.Y. Times 21 Aug. b1/2 If you dope-tested the top of every toilet tank in the city, I bet half would test positive for cocaine. toilet tidy n. ΚΠ 1857 Daily Hawk-eye (Burlington, Iowa) 9 Oct. (advt.) The cheapest store under the sun... Toweling, toilet tidies, hosiery and gloves. 1928 A. M. M. Douton Bk. with Seven Seals xvii. 380 Mary Anne was not inspired with any admiration for the antimacassars and toilet-tidies that she made. 1999 M. C. Beaton Agatha Raisin & Love from Hell (2003) 113 They even had a fuzzy pink toilet tidy in the bathroom. Ugh. toilet ware n. ΚΠ 1827 Liverpool Mercury 13 Apr. 1/4 (advt.) Tea, Dessert, and Toilet Ware..in fine Blue Printed. 1864 Hist. North-Western Soldiers' Fair, Chicago 168 1 set fancy toilet ware. 1977 Western Morning News 30 Aug. 2/3 Woolland, Son & Manico have received instructions from private vendors to sell by auction..toilet ware. 2000 M. Blair Ceramic Water Closets 13 Many well-known potters..were making pottery WC bowls, plug wash bowls, bidets and other toiletware. C2. toilet accessory n. (a) (usually in plural) a cosmetic, grooming product, or other accessory used in washing, shaving, etc.; (b) an accessory which is part of the structure or mechanism of a flushing toilet. ΚΠ 1834 Amer. Railroad Jrnl. 11 Oct. 636/1 The perfumes, soaps and toilet accessories in every variety, of Johnson & Co. of 35 Cedar street, agreeably arrest the senses both of sight and smell. 1922 G. Garrett Driver xi. 193 Every room was perfectly dressed, even to towels on the bath room racks and toilet accessories in the cabinets. 1961 Albuquerque (New Mexico) Jrnl. 19 Mar. c11/2 (advt.) Toilet accessories... Toilet seat..2.88. Tank ball..49c [etc.]. 1999 H. Jaffe Sex for Millennium i. 21 My paternal grandfather..made big $$$ manufacturing porcelain toilet bowls and toilet accessories like flushers, tanks and the apparatuses inside tanks. 2007 Times (Nexis) 14 Apr. (Mag. section) 126 Such toilet accessories as I possess (razor, shaving foam, toenail clippers..) have been consigned to high-shelf oblivion. toilet appointment n. †(a) an item of clothing (obsolete); (b) a bathroom furnishing. ΚΠ 1842 Punch 2 35/2 The last crawl upstairs to dress, in whatever part of the house their toilet appointments have been transported to, in an extreme state of exhaustion. 1847 W. M. Thackeray Vanity Fair (1848) vii. 62 [She] examined the dreary pictures and toilette appointments. 1987 Advertiser (Adelaide) (Nexis) 15 Jan. They also want a room with a bidet, even though the Plaza has no rooms with such sophisticated toilet appointments. toilet attendant n. †(a) a servant who assists a person in dressing, arranging the hair, etc. (obsolete); (b) originally U.S. a person employed at a public toilet or restroom to clean, provide assistance, etc. ΚΠ 1791 T. Vaughan Love's Vagaries i. i. 11 Well, Madam.., I will endeavour to keep up the character of a modern toilette attendant, by devoting my yes and no in future, entirely to your commands. 1897 World Sunday Mag. (N.Y.) 8 Aug. 32/4 I will send to you toilet attendants who will cast you in the correct mould from finger-tips to pompadour. 1901 Proc. Council Munic. Assembly City N.Y. 3 530 (table) Janitor's force... 4 toilet attendants. 2010 Sunday Tribune (Ireland) (Nexis) 23 May n18 The idea of toilet attendants is pointless. No one really needs toilet paper handed to them. toilet bag n. (a) a bag for holding grooming equipment, toiletries, etc.; a wash bag; (b) a large bag for carrying clothing and other essential items, esp. when travelling; a portmanteau (now rare). ΚΠ 1834 J. Shakespear Dict. Hindūstānī & Eng. (ed. 3) 2012 Singār-dān... A toilet bag, or dressing-case. 1850 Bradford Observer 17 Oct. 3/4 Each little bed has its toilet bag attached, containing comb, hair-brush, tooth-brush, nail-brush, and clothes-brush. 1856 Times 4 Apr. 15/3 (advt.) The £5 5s. travelling toilette bags, with exterior pockets, double-action locks, and fitted with dressing and writing requisites. 1914 Amer. Stationer 28 Feb. 33/2 The modern girl likes a toilet bag that lies perfectly flat folded under the arm, like a letter case, but which has every little tool perfectly mounted. 1916 J. L. May tr. A. France Pierre Nozière i. v. 48 He appeared..with his green baize toilet-bag, containing two or three masterpieces in the way of tunics, flung over his arm. 1937 Winnipeg Free Press 20 Dec. 26/1 (advt.) Give her a toilet bag of Celanese rayon moire... They're fitted—face cloth, face tissues, cream jar and cotton bottle. 2012 M. Frayn Skios xxxviii. 211 Where was his razor, though? And his toothbrush.., and all the rest of the stuff in his toilet bag? toilet basket n. a wicker dressing case. ΚΠ 1826 U.S. Tel. (Washington, D.C.) 10 Feb. (advt.) An assortment of fancy goods... Gilt Toilet Baskets, with Bottles. 1908 Westm. Gaz. 23 Jan. 4/2 The new automobile toilet basket is just the thing to carry when touring... It contains..everything necessary for the toilet. 2009 Sun (Nexis) 30 Oct. 33 He hid his mobile-phone camera behind shampoo bottles and in a wicker toilet basket and filmed my daughter undressing and showering. toilet block n. (a) a small portable wooden box used for transporting toiletries; (b) a building or other structure (permanent or temporary) containing a number of public toilets, as often found at a school, campsite, sports arena, etc. ΚΠ 1896 Myra's Jrnl. Dec. 38/1 A novel idea for a bazaar would be a travelling toilet block made on the same principle as the writing blocks. 1908 Amer. Architect & Building News 23 Sept. 101/2 Clearly as much office space and better lighting to the corridors and toilet block could have been attained without them. 1976 Star (Sheffield) 26 Nov. 26/5 A two-classroom mobile unit and toilet block. 2003 Marie Claire Dec. 413/1 Oh, and no en suite. If nature calls during the night, you have to dash to the toilet block. toilet bowl n. (a) a bowl used for washing, esp. one forming part of an arrangement for washing in a person's bedroom; a washbasin (now rare); (b) the part of a flushing toilet into which the user urinates or defecates, consisting of a large ceramic bowl connected to the water cistern and sewer by plumbing. ΘΚΠ the world > physical sensation > cleanness and dirtiness > cleaning > washing > washing oneself or body > [noun] > washing the hands > vessel for washing the hands (and face) washela1375 laverc1394 washing-bowl1530 washpot1535 washing-basin1538 cistern1577 lavacre1657 lavatorya1676 chillumchee1715 wash-hand basin1760 wash-dish1805 washbasin1812 wash-bowl1816 chamber set1824 toilet bowl1850 wash-pan1851 lavatory basin1854 wash sink1857 lavatory bowl1872 wash-trough1902 pedestal basin1967 pedestal washbasin1967 vanity basin1972 w.h.b.1975 the world > physical sensation > cleanness and dirtiness > sanitation > privy or latrine > [noun] > water-closet or lavatory > W.C. appliances > pan pan1586 pot1706 toilet bowl1850 lavatory bowl1915 1850 Manch. Examiner & Times 25 May 8/6 (advt.) Tin Toilet Bowls and Jugs. 1905 Brit. Jrnl. Nursing 34 25/2 A toilet bowl or granite hand-basin found at the patient's home and well cleansed will answer for the first soap and water scrubbing. 1908 3rd Biennial Rep. State Board Charities & Corrections Calif. ii. i. 83 In other cases there is one toilet bowl in each cage, but often this is not in good order, leaks or will not properly flush. 1947 E. Hodgins Mr. Blandings builds his Dream House ii. xii. 164 One bathroom seemed all but finished... A toilet bowl was in place. 2010 C. Binggeli Building Syst. for Interior Designers (ed. 2) viii. 119/1 (caption) A toilet bowl is designed to clean itself with each flush. toilet box n. now historical a box used to contain small articles used in applying make-up, arranging the hair, washing, etc. ΘΚΠ the world > physical sensation > cleanness and dirtiness > cleaning > cleaning or cleanliness of the person > [noun] > bag or case for toilet utensils dressing box1607 toilet1728 toilet box1729 dressing case1778 toilet case1807 wet pack1928 Dopp kit1937 1729 W. Mackintosh Ess. on Inclosing Scotl. App. 293 The Money laid out on Cabinets, Escretoirs, Toilet-boxes, Boxing of closets, Stocking Fuzees and Pistols, and Clock-cases, is chargeable. 1869 C. Schreiber Jrnl. (1950) I. 10 A fan-shaped toilet box made of Chelsea china. 2005 M. Barker Sir Edwin Lutyens (2008) 51 In the tomb of Any at Thebes a toilet box which belonged to his wife, Tutu, was discovered. toilet break n. a short period of time within the duration of an activity (often of a prescribed or limited duration) taken to use the toilet.bathroom break is now more usual in North American use. ΚΠ 1960 W. R. Moule God's Arms around Us xxxviii. 353 We were allowed to get off the trucks for water and a toilet break. 1998 S. Bertmann Hyperculture i. 11 A two-way video system that lets him monitor his workers even when they take a toilet break. 2007 Daily Record (Nexis) 27 Jan. 52 We had a match point in the second set which we lost so we took a toilet break to regroup. toilet bucket n. †(a) = toilet pail n. (a) (obsolete) (b) a bucket provided (typical in a prison) for people to urinate and defecate into. ΚΠ 1853 Rec. First Exhib. Metrop. Mechanics' Inst. 49 2 pudding boilers; copper toilet bucket; 2 patent ice cream freezers. 1957 H. Roosenburg Walls came tumbling Down 11 A guard would..open one cell, and allow two prisoners to come out, one with the toilet bucket, the other with the water jug. 1997 D. Hansen Sole Survivor xxxiv. 337 Whoever catches a fish last empties the toilet bucket. toilet call n. (a) = sense 6; (b) a visit to the toilet. ΘΚΠ society > leisure > social event > visit > [noun] > during toilet toilet call1827 1827 T. Carlyle tr. J. A. Musæus in German Romance I. 26 Toilette calls [Ger. Toiletten-Besuche] were not in fashion. 1982 Pacific Stars & Stripes (Tokyo) 5 July 30 There is no smoking, chewing gum or tobacco, and toilet calls are on request. 2010 M. Burdet Stumbling down Shamanic Path xxx. 332 Mother's bedside bell roused me... This was another toilet call, another hour of exertion, before diving back into sleep. toilet can n. a tin can used as a vessel for water in a dressing room or bathroom. ΚΠ 1842 Catal. Tin, Japanned, & Zinc Wares 75/2 Toilette cans. Oval. 4 quart. 1858 P. L. Simmonds Dict. Trade Products Toilet-can, a tin can for water for a dressing-room. 1997 E. Friedl Children of Deh Koh xii. 118 The long-spouted toilet cans used for cleaning oneself are far too unwieldy for little hands. † toilet cap n. Obsolete a cap worn while dressing. ΘΚΠ the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > headgear > [noun] > cap > types of > worn for specific purpose > other toilet cap1660 rain cap1827 smoking-cap1841 bathing-cap1867 marmot1877 scrum cap1896 ski-cap1937 1660 S. Pepys Diary 3 Sept. (1970) I. 239 To get [my Lord]..a toilette Capp and Combe case of Silke to make use of in Holland. 1852 To-day 4 Sept. 138/1 Under the name of dressmaking is included bonnets of all kinds, caps, head-dresses for company, toilet-caps, and even gloves. toilet case n. a dressing case, a toilet bag. ΘΚΠ the world > physical sensation > cleanness and dirtiness > cleaning > cleaning or cleanliness of the person > [noun] > bag or case for toilet utensils dressing box1607 toilet1728 toilet box1729 dressing case1778 toilet case1807 wet pack1928 Dopp kit1937 1807 Morning Chron. 15 July 1/1 (advt.) A Large Assortment of..Ladies' Toilet Cases. ?1879 S. F. P. Stepping Westward 8 My toilet case for my brush and comb. 1889 H. F. Wood Englishman Rue Caïn xi One of our governesses had a toilette-case sent her as a present. 1986 Toronto Star (Nexis) 13 Jan. b1 He..stuffed a three-quarters finished tube of Crest into a battered black toilet case. toilet chair n. (a) a chair used when grooming, arranging the hair, applying make-up, etc. (now historical); (b) a chair containing a chamber pot or similar receptacle; a commode. ΚΠ 1822 M. Berry Jrnl. 15 Sept. (1865) III. 322 The toilet, with its numerous pieces—the toilet chair and the cradle. 1898 Boston Daily Advertiser 21 Dec. 1/6 (advt.) You can buy a really beautiful toilet table with accompanying toilet chair for $10.00 complete. 1915 L. Fischer Health-care of Growing Child ii. ii. 122 We should teach the child to use the toilet chair at a certain time of the day, preferably after breakfast. 1966 L. A. Boger Furnit. Past & Present 144 The caned toilet chair is also the typical chair for the writing table, which brings us to that elegant class of secrétaires and bureaux. 2006 L. Groger in S. R. Kunkel & V. Wellin Consumer Voice & Choice in Long-term Care xiv. 225 These include..funds for personal care articles..and appliances such as hospital beds, wheelchairs, walkers, toilet chairs, as well as prosthetic devices. toilet chamber n. (a) a dressing room (obsolete); (b) a room or alcove containing a toilet. ΘΚΠ society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > parts of building > room > room by type of use > [noun] > room for keeping clothes or dressing wardrobec1440 garderobe?c1450 vestiaryc1450 vestuaryc1490 vestry1574 guarda-roba1602 dressing room1659 robe chamber1665 tire-room1681 robes-roomc1689 apodyteriuma1695 robing room1712 attiring-room1756 toilet1790 toilet chamber1798 toilet room1800 changing room1841 dressing shed1845 change room1886 1798 J. Ebers New & Compl. Dict. German & Eng. Lang. II. 962/2 Puβstube, die, a Lady's or Gentleman's Toilet or Toilet-Chamber. 1853 G. P. R. James Agnes Sorel I. viii. 169 When they had entered his toilet-chamber, the Duke cast himself into a chair. 1987 Toronto Star (Nexis) 28 Feb. e11 The four-piece en suite bathroom features a step-up corner tub and a private toilet chamber. toilet cleaner n. (a) a person employed to clean toilets; (b) a product, esp. a chemical cleaner, used to disinfect or clean toilets. ΚΠ 1899 Amer. Machinist 22 June 551/1 The rates of wages per week are as follows in an average sixteen-story building:... One toilet cleaner..[$]8 to 10. 1908 Seattle Star 6 Jan. 5/1 (advt.) Plumbers' friend force cup handy toilet cleaner; save the plumbers' bills. 1958 Times 23 July 9/4 Records from Milwaukee..show what the youngsters in that city got through last year by way of elevenses. They swallowed..motor oil, iodine, toilet cleaners, laundry bleach [etc.]. 1999 P. Frame Rockin' around Brit. 169/1 It was here that Rat Scabies, employed as a porter, first met Captain Sensible, working as a toilet cleaner and practising guitar. 2011 J. Green Amazing Pet Cures 220 The chemicals in toilet cleaners and fresheners are toxic to cats and dogs. toilet cloth n. (a) (probably) = sense 1c (obsolete); (b) a cloth cover for a dressing table (now historical). ΚΠ 1796 D. Daulby Descriptive Catal. Wks. Rembrandt 213 She is a half-length, sitting and covered with a toilet cloth, leaning her head upon one hand. 1882 S. F. A. Caulfeild & B. C. Saward Dict. Needlework 360 Grecian Netting, used for purses when worked with fine silks, and for curtains and toilet cloths when worked with knitting cotton. 1991 A. Pardailhé-Galabrun Birth of Intimacy v. sore139 A finely worked toilet cloth on which were arranged nine little jars. toilet club n. now historical a barber's shop offering reduced charges to clients who paid a regular subscription. ΘΚΠ the mind > attention and judgement > beautification > beautification of the person > beautification of the hair > places for styling hair > [noun] barberyc1440 clipping-house1483 barbershop1579 toilet club1855 1855 Standard 19 May 1/6 The toilet club.—‘I never entered a hair-dresser's shop,’ wrote Laroche, ‘without becoming ill from the offensive atmosphere arising from hot curling irons.’ 1884 W. S. Gilbert Princess Ida ii. 69 He grew moustachios, and he took his tub, And he paid a guinea to a toilet club. 2006 Peterborough Evening Tel. (Nexis) 17 May He has old Victorian adverts... There is another strange one for the Peterborough Toilet Club, in Cumbergate and Exchange street. toilet cover n. = toilet cloth n. ΘΚΠ society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > furniture and fittings > covers or hangings > [noun] > cover for furniture > for dressing table toilet1665 toilet cover1772 petticoat1880 1772 B. Franklin Let. 19 Mar. in Papers (1975) XIX. 90 The Toilet Cover, nicely drawn, is in the same [box]. 1838 C. Gilman Recoll. Southern Matron xxix. 207 The bride's chamber..neatly set off with white curtains and toilet cover. 1904 E. Nesbit Phoenix & Carpet xii. 226 He's pulled the toilet-cover off the dressing-table with all the brushes and pots and things. 2003 J. Flanders Victorian House (2004) i. 10 Dressing tables..were usually covered with a white ‘toilet cover.’ toilet cup n. now historical a cup or vase, etc., used as a receptacle for small articles used in applying make-up, arranging the hair, washing, etc. ΚΠ 1789 J. Christie Catal. Houshold Furnit. Duchess of Kingston 37 A pair of toilet cups, silver mounted. 1871 Mrs. E. D. Wallace Strife xv. 147 Amelia let her..bathe the hot head from a toilette-cup that I held for her. 1999 S. Badstübner-Gröger in P. C. Finney Seeing Beyond Word 277/2 (caption) Pair of toilet cups and covers, silver gilt, London. toilet facility n. (chiefly in plural) (originally) facilities for washing and dressing; (in later use) publicly available toilets. ΚΠ 1853 A. Cary Clovernook II. 45 These toilet facilities were deemed by some of the party altogether superfluous, and their wooden pocket-combs and handkerchiefs were modestly preferred. 1885 Salt Lake Daily Tribune 18 June Washbasins were provided in chairs besides the beds, and toilet facilities had been improvised by means of placing a small mirror against a stanchion. 1889 Fourth Ann. Rep. Commissioner Labor (U.S. Dept. Labor) i. 21 Toilet facilities are generally scant and inadequate, a hundred workers being dependent sometimes on a single closet or sink, and that too often out of order. 1919 Archit. Rec. June 514/1 In this block is also the men's field house, containing lockers, dressing rooms, shower baths and toilet facilities. 2010 Independent 9 Feb. 13/3 The centre..went into lockdown, leaving women in communal spaces without access to food, water or toilet facilities. toilet furniture n. now historical articles required or used in applying make-up, arranging the hair, washing, etc.; cf. sense 4.In quot. 1704: (apparently) a set of such items. ΚΠ 1704 J. Locke Let. 17 Sept. in H. R. F. Bourne Life J. Locke (1876) II. xv. 554 I hope..that you have prepared my present of a toilet furniture for my cousin, your wife, and will give it her from me before you come out of town. 1793 Edinb. Mag. Aug. 131/1 Articles collected from Herculaneum and Pompeii, such as..toilet furniture, and even provisions. 1836 Age 5 June 183/3 (advt.) The Patent is applicable to every description of Toilet Furniture, from the pill-box or soap-box, to a bottle, ewer, and basin, segar-box, scent-box, &c. 1977 Burlington Mag. June 396/2 Another outstanding example..was the set of toilet furniture made by Odiot and Thomire after designs by Prud'hon, which was presented to Marie-Louise by the City of Paris in 1810. toilet glass n. now historical a mirror used when dressing, a toilet-table mirror. ΘΚΠ the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > optical instruments > mirror > [noun] > looking-glass looking-glass1526 Venice glass1527 tooting-glassc1560 seeing-glass1565 girdle-glassa1652 Venice looking-glass1655 considering-glass1660 peeper1673 long glass1680 table glass1688 dressing glass1697 keeking-glassa1724 toilet glass1729 long mirror1793 swing-glass1809 hand glass1832 cheval-glass1836 psyche1838 tire-glass1844 tiring-glass1844 driving mirror1907 wing mirror1925 swing mirror1930 vanity mirror1959 1729 J. P. Bignon Adventures Abdallah 23 Every thing I had on, made an extraordinary Appearance, and I could not help viewing my self in the Toilet-glass. 1788 Calcutta Chron. 10 Jan. For sale..Toilette-glasses, in elegant frames. 1818 M. Edgeworth Let. 29 Oct. (1971) 132 Long rolling toilette glass and every piece of furniture belonging to better times. 1848 W. M. Thackeray Vanity Fair lviii. 524 The dreary little toilet-glass on the dressing table. 1999 Woodworker July 66/1 A toilet glass..became fashionable and an essential part of dressing table construction. toilet humour n. crude humour centring on the excretory functions; cf. lavatory humour n. at lavatory n. Compounds 3. ΘΚΠ the mind > emotion > pleasure > laughter > causing laughter > [noun] > humour > specific unsavoury bathroom humour1935 lavatory humour1935 toilet humour1942 potty humour1969 the mind > emotion > pleasure > laughter > causing laughter > [noun] > jest or pleasantry > low jesting or buffoonery > specific lavatory humour1935 toilet humour1942 potty humour1969 1942 E.W. Beattie Freely to Pass xvii. 239 The placards, which ranged from..the classic school, to a few minor masterpieces of subway toilet humor. 1956 W. H. Auden & C. Kallman Magic Flute (1957) 60 Indulged in toilet-humour with his cousin. 2003 J. Drury Ian Dury & Blockheads iv. 89 In his next verse Ian..entertains the listener with an extraordinary outburst of toilet humour. toilet joke n. a crude joke centring on the excretory functions; cf. lavatory joke n. at lavatory n. Compounds 3. ΚΠ 1942 B. Biber et al. Child Life in School iii. 127 Sometimes toilet jokes had nothing amusing about them from an adult, or even an average seven-year-old point of view. 1979 Globe & Mail (Toronto) (Nexis) 23 June After watching the first episode, I was grateful for the absence of toilet jokes, a mainstay of British humor. 2009 L. Stratyner & J. R. Keller Deep End of South Park 3 We need not cite the episodes based on more esoteric sources to prove that South Park is more than juvenile toilet jokes. † toilet-lucubration n. Obsolete rare thoughts that arise while washing and dressing. ΚΠ 1721 C. Cibber Refusal ii. 23 Vanity is the only Fruit of Toilet-Lucubrations. toilet mirror n. (a) = toilet glass n. (now chiefly historical); (b) chiefly British a mirror in a toilet. ΚΠ 1792 St. James's Chron. 27 Sept. The eleventh armoire has the toilet mirror, which was given to Maria of Medicis by the States of Venice. 1876 W. E. Griffis Mikado's Empire ii. iii. 364 Wooden buildings, open to the street, were filled with pretty young girls..having their hair dressed, sitting idle, or engaged at their toilet mirrors. 1978 Sight & Sound Spring 103/1 The atmosphere..is gradually eclipsed by elegant dolly shots of Jonathan..seen through frames in his Paris hotel room or in the toilet mirror on the train. 1991 Jrnl. Design Hist. 4 237/2 The bedroom would be supplied with a black and gold bedstead.., a washstand and toilet fittings, and a chest of drawers and a toilet mirror. 2001 Sunday Mercury (Birmingham) 12 Aug. 34 I used to go out for drinks with my mates and catch sight of myself in the toilet mirror. toilet mouth n. colloquial (originally U.S.) a foul-mouthed person; (also) a tendency to be foul-mouthed; cf. potty mouth n. at potty n. Compounds. ΚΠ 1970 San Antonio (Texas) Express 31 Dec. 7 b/1 At every New Year's Eve party there will be a Harry Toilet Mouth. When he gets sufficiently oiled, Toilet Mouth will launch into a verbal contest with the men's room wall. 1991 Lewiston (Idaho) Morning Tribune (Nexis) 14 Apr. 1 f Unlike most of the toilet mouths in this world, he understands that cursing is not something to be done lightly. 2005 M. Robotham Lost xviii. 200 ‘Who is he?’ ‘A nasty toerag with a toilet mouth and a taste for pimping.’ toilet pail n. (a) a pail for holding dirty water as part of an arrangement for washing in a person's bedroom (obsolete); (b) = toilet bucket n. (b). ΚΠ 1833 J. Bennett Artificer's Compl. Lexicon for Terms & Prices 457 Showers and other baths and pans. Toilet pails. 1858 P. L. Simmonds Dict. Trade Products Toilet-pail, a tin pail for holding slops in a bedroom. 1993 I. Okpewho Tides (1994) 98 I could hardly sleep that first night. One reason was the stench from the toilet pail in our cell. toilet powder n. a form of dusting powder for the skin used after washing or bathing, talcum powder. ΘΚΠ the mind > attention and judgement > beautification > beautification of the person > beautification of the skin or complexion > [noun] > preparations for the skin or complexion > powders powder1538 rice powder1772 face powder1788 toilet powder1833 French white1844 baby powder1853 violet powder1856 poudre de riz1859 splash1863 papier poudré1907 powder cake1925 1833 Columbia (S. Carolina) Telescope 21 May (advt.) J. R. & W. C. have just received an elegant assortment of Perfumery, viz:..Toilet Powder, Seidlitz Powders, Lip Salve, &c. &c. 1840 Daily Picayune (New Orleans) 28 July 4/1 [Merchandise includes]..perfumed toilet and pearl powders. 1895 Army & Navy Co-op. Soc. Price List 717/2 Cherry Blossom Toilet Powder. 1981 W. A. Jackson Victorian Chemist & Druggist (1993) 20/1 Boxes were also made to hold toilet powders. 2009 M. Marsh Compacts & Cosmetics iii. 48 Toilet powder was applied with lambswool. toilet quilt n. now rare a cover for a dressing table. ΚΠ 1836 Belfast News-Let. 23 Sept. 3/2 (advt.) A case of toilet quilts has just been opened, containing a variety of splendid new patterns. 1858 P. L. Simmonds Dict. Trade Products Toilet-quilt, a bed-cover or cover for the dressing-table. 1905 Fitchburg (Mass.) Daily Sentinel 7 June 3/6 (advt.) June Sale of White Toilet Quilts. toilet room n. (a) a dressing room (now historical); (b) (U.S.) a wash room; a room containing a toilet or toilets (now rare). ΘΚΠ society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > parts of building > room > room by type of use > [noun] > room for keeping clothes or dressing wardrobec1440 garderobe?c1450 vestiaryc1450 vestuaryc1490 vestry1574 guarda-roba1602 dressing room1659 robe chamber1665 tire-room1681 robes-roomc1689 apodyteriuma1695 robing room1712 attiring-room1756 toilet1790 toilet chamber1798 toilet room1800 changing room1841 dressing shed1845 change room1886 1800 W. Tooke Hist. Russia II. 428 We first enter a set of apartments, that are fitted up as toilette-rooms for the ladies. 1853 Maine Liquor Law Deb. 1852 9/2 But if we step from the street and parlor to the toilet rooms of the fair ones of our land, we must there behold a government official necessarily in attendance to draw their corset-strings. 1854 Ann. Rep. Board Educ. San Francisco 9 The other apartments are for toilet rooms for both sexes, on first and second floors. 1895 Laws Wisconsin 795 To have at least four seat closets placed in the toilet room adjoining the assembly and at least two in the toilet room adjoining the senate. 1906 C. A. Huling Lett. of Business Woman to her Niece xv. 164 Bathe and don your garments in the toilet room, being fully attired on leaving that retreat. 1909 Pop. Mech. Oct. 535 Figure 16 illustrates a chair designed for use in a toilet room. 1961 R. H. van Gulik Sexual Life in Anc. China vi. 168 The wealthy official Shih Ch'ung..had more than ten beautiful girls..always stand at attendance in the toilet room to help the guest ‘change clothes’. 1991 Motor Boat & Yachting Jan. 301/1 (advt.) Comfortable cabin for 3 with exquisitely designed toilet room. toilet seat n. (a) a seat for a dressing table; (b) an approximately oval ring of plastic or wood fitting the top of a toilet bowl, typically hinged at the back for lifting, on which a person sits in order to urinate or defecate; a lavatory seat. ΘΚΠ the world > physical sensation > cleanness and dirtiness > sanitation > privy or latrine > [noun] > water-closet or lavatory > W.C. appliances > seat of toilet seat1829 seat1907 society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > furniture and fittings > seat > chair > [noun] > other chairs farthingale chair1552 side chair1582 high chair1609 scroll chair1614 Turkey chair1683 curule chair1695 reading chair1745 rush-bottom1754 conversation-chair1793 Windsor tub1800 Trafalgar chair1808 beehive-chair1816 nursing chair1826 Hitchcockc1828 toilet seat1829 kangaroo1834 prie-dieu1838 tub-chair1839 barrel-chair1850 Cromwell chair1868 office chair1874 swivel-chair1885 steamer-chair1886 suggan chair1888 lawn chair1895 saddle seat1895 Bombay chair1896 veranda-chair1902 X chair1904 Yorkshire chair1906 three legs and a swinger1916 saddlebag1919 riempie stool1933 gaspipe chair1934 slipper chair1938 Eames chair1946 contour chair1948 sling-back1948 sling chair1957 booster chair1960 booster seat1967 beanbag1969 sack chair1970 papasan1980 Muskoka chair1987 1829 Examiner 22 Nov. 742/1 Make beauty's throne a toilet-seat, And thus, at your imperial feet, Behold the Church in danger! 1906 Albright's Office Practitioner Dec. 313/2 The patient should also be warned of the extremely infectious nature of his discharges and urged to exercise every precaution as regards toilet seats, clothing, utensils, etc. 1982 J. Aiken Whisper in Night 114 A small round lavatory, with a mahogany Victorian toilet seat. 2005 J. Weiner Goodnight Nobody i. 9 ‘Mommy, he's drownding the baby,’ Sophie observed from the toilet seat. toilet service n. (a) (perhaps) service to ladies; (b) a set of utensils used for washing, arranging the hair, etc.Sense (a) apparently represents an isolated use. ΚΠ 1786 J. O'Keeffe Songs Siege of Curzola 2 At bugle, spangle, gauze, or fan, For toilette service he's the man. 1855 ‘G. Eliot’ in Fraser's Mag. June 706/1 A decanter and a sugar-basin or pie-dish, are an ample toilette service for them. 1990 Antique Collector Oct. 15 (caption) A magnificent George II toilet service by David Willaume II. toilet set n. a set of articles used in washing, arranging the hair, applying make-up, shaving, etc. ΚΠ 1814 Times 21 July 4/4 (advt.) Toilet sets, wine coolers, &c. 1853 Rec. First Exhib. Metrop. Mechanics' Inst. 30 1 toilet set, consisting of 6 pieces, viz: 1 foot tub, 1 slop bucket,1 water can, 1 basin, 1 ewer, 1 slop jar, 1 water cooler, and 1 platewarmer. 1891 O. Wilde Picture of Dorian Gray viii. 138 A chased silver Louis-Quinze toilet-set. 1977 G. Marton Alarum 6 The New Yorkers on top of Claire's toilet set. 2003 Art Q. Spring 39/3 Sadly Lady Henrietta died in 1769, leaving behind her glittering silver-gilt toilette set. toilet soap n. soap used for washing oneself (as opposed to laundry soap, etc.). ΚΠ 1817 Repertory Arts, Manuf., & Agric. 30 314 The transparent toilet soaps, which are made from an alcoholic solution of soap evaporated to dryness, are all of a yellow brown colour. 1895 Montgomery Ward Catal. Spring & Summer 109/2 Milled Toilet Soaps..a fine milled delicately perfumed toilet soap. 2003 M. M. Chakrabarty Chem. & Technol. of Oils & Fats xviii. 611 The manufacture of toilet soap of desired quality is not easy. toilet sponge n. a sponge of fine texture for washing. ΚΠ 1826 Aberdeen Jrnl. 1 Nov. 2/5 (advt.) All sorts of Combs, Brushes, Cutlery, Dressing Cases, Toilette Sponges, in any quantities, and in great variety. 1910 Fort Wayne (Indiana) Sentinel 16 Sept. 20 Balm of Almonds is a complexion powder in paste form... It is applied with a small toilet sponge. 1996 O. Thulesius Edison in Florida xi. 96 It [sc. sponge] was the biggest trade product of Key West, used not only in the household as toilet sponges but in surgery for removing blood. toilet stall n. †(a) a stall where toiletries are sold (obsolete); (b) any of a number of cubicles within a public toilet. ΚΠ 1894 Aberdeen Weekly Jrnl. 2 May 4/7 An idea..which has not yet become hopelessly hackneyed, is that of ‘toilet stall’, which is devoted to the sale of every imaginable kind of toilet accessory. 1909 F. S. Allen in E. Hyatt School Archit. & School Improvem. (Calif. Dept. Public Instruction) 11 It is a good plan to have a ‘service’ room two or three feet wide behind the toilet stalls. 1978 R. Ludlum Holcroft Covenant xxiii. 265 If they let the weapon through, he was to reassemble it immediately, in the toilet stall of a men's room. 2008 Atlantic Monthly Nov. 100 I could have ripped up these counterfeit boarding passes in the privacy of a toilet stall. toilet table n. a dressing table equipped with utensils and materials for grooming, arranging the hair, applying make-up, etc. ΘΚΠ society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > furniture and fittings > table > [noun] > dressing table toilet1667 dressing table1668 toilet table1753 dresser1828 kidney table1845 duchesse dressing-table1863 poudreuse1902 vanity table1936 vanity1937 1753 R. Shiels & T. Cibber Lives Poets Great Brit. & Irel. IV. 92 She caused an image of him to be every day placed at her toilet-table, to which she would talk as to the living Mr. Congreve. 1841 Mrs. Mozley Lost Brooch II. xv. 109 The trinket case was on the toilette table, and open. 1902 Daily Chron. 20 June 10/4 Visitors to London..see her now at her toilet table. 1992 A. Kurzweil Case of Curiosities xxxv. 232 She reapplied her face as much as she could without aid of toilet table and domestic. toilet tent n. a tent in which one or more toilets are housed, esp. in a camp or at an outdoor special event. ΘΚΠ the world > physical sensation > cleanness and dirtiness > sanitation > privy or latrine > [noun] > tent toilet tent1886 1886 F. H. Buffum Sheridan's Veterans II. 111 Members of the party will pleasantly remember William Donnal, a veteran of the Fourteenth New York, who came into camp, took charge of the gentleman's toilet tent, and contributed in many ways to the comfort of the party. 1969 Guardian 2 Sept. 6/7 A crushed marquee, two burnt-out toilet tents, and a partly demolished fence. 2010 J. Green Murder High Himalayas (2011) xii. 144 A man was hiding in the toilet tent. toilet tissue n. tissue paper, usually in small sheets or on a roll, used for wiping oneself clean after defecation or urination. ΘΚΠ the world > physical sensation > cleanness and dirtiness > sanitation > privy or latrine > [noun] > lavatory paper bum fodder1650 arsewipe1677 toilet paper1877 toilet roll1881 toilet tissue1887 lavatory paper1888 bumf1912 TP1940 asswipe1958 1887 Boston Daily Globe 6 Feb. 5/8 (advt.) Three thousand sheets Toilet Tissue. 1968 N. Giovanni in W. King Black Short Story Anthol. (1972) 30 We'd get slightly used toilet tissue with an article on it or brown paper bags with short sayings or just a note to say they dig us. 1982 Verbatim Summer 5/1 Take lavatory paper, or, in the genteel euphemism of Adspeak, toilet tissue. 2003 S. Brown Free Gift Inside! 109 The Gucci logo even appeared..on rolls of ‘luxury’ toilet tissue. toilet train v. transitive to train (a child) to use the toilet. ΘΚΠ society > education > upbringing > [verb (transitive)] > toilet-train pot1943 toilet train1951 potty-train1960 pot-train1961 1951 Charleston (W. Va.) Gaz. 5 Mar. 10/8 They were toilet trained at sixteen months, by the use of praise and no punishment. 1958 M. A. Faegre et al. Child Care & Training (ed. 8) vii. 95 A mother tired of washing diapers may seek to toilet train a child too soon. 1980 A. Cornelisen Flight from Torregreca x. 202 The long process of toilet training her children. 2012 Independent 7 Feb. 14/2 Rising numbers of children are starting school without having been toilet trained. toilet trained adj. that has been trained to use the toilet. ΘΚΠ society > education > upbringing > [adjective] > toilet-trained toilet trained1940 potty-trained1953 pot-trained1958 the world > physical sensation > cleanness and dirtiness > sanitation > privy or latrine > [adjective] > trained to use chamber-pot (child) toilet trained1940 potty-trained1953 pot-trained1958 1940 A. Gesell & C. S. Amatruda in A. Gesell et al. First Five Years of Life iii. xiii. 305 Feeds self with bread with great effort. Toilet trained since 11 months. 1961 Guardian 8 May 6/1 When a baby shows signs of being ‘toilet trained’ a mother can look forward to the end of nappy washing. 2012 Pittsburgh Tribune Rev. (Nexis) 13 Feb. My little sister is almost 4, and she still isn't toilet trained. toilet-training n. the training of a child to use the toilet. ΘΚΠ society > education > upbringing > [noun] > habit-training > toilet-training toilet-training1926 potty training1946 potting1948 pot-training1960 the world > physical sensation > cleanness and dirtiness > sanitation > privy or latrine > [noun] > close-stool or commode > for a child > causing or training to use toilet-training1926 potty training1946 potting1948 pot-training1960 1926 J. Taft in K. Young Source Bk. for Social Psychol. iii. xiv. 372 The peculiar nature of her infantile experience with defecation and toilet training. 1973 E.-J. Bahr Nice Neighbourhood ii. 19 I hope Women's Lib never gets to hear about it, but..it was like fun to sit and talk about toilet training. 2007 Courier-Mail (Brisbane) 24 Nov. (Qweekend section) 14/1 (heading) Toilet-training is a fraught subject. Everyone thinks they know best and that everyone else's kids are being taught the wrong way. toilet-vase n. a vase used as a water container when washing oneself. ΚΠ 1846 Daily National Intelligencer (Washington) 16 Feb. (advt.) Green and Gold Toilet Vase. 1918 J. D. Beazley Attic Red-figured Vases Amer. Museums xix. 188 The toilet-vase called lekanis is rarely decorated with pictures before the free period. 1991 Amer. Jrnl. Archaeol. 95 437/1 A set of gold toilet-vases has been shown to belong to the central or southern burials. toilet vinegar n. aromatic vinegar used as an emollient. ΚΠ 1816 Repertory Arts, Manuf., & Agric. June 60 Toilette vinegar is obtained in the same manner as those just described, except that it is filtered a second time, in order to purify and concentrate it still more. 1867 M. E. Herbert Cradle Lands viii. 218 Even scented soap and toilette vinegar were ransacked from his stores. 1897 E. A. Bartlett Battlefields of Thessaly vi. 122 A great variety of Parisian perfumes, eau-de-cologne and toilet vinegar. 2004 J. R. Piggott Palace of People iv. 117/2 There were three Rimmel fountains, all designed by John Thomas, dispensingeau de Cologne, Sydenham Crystal Palace Bouquet, and toilet vinegar. toilet water n. [after French eau de toilette (see eau de toilette n. at eau n. f)] a dilute form of perfume, esp. one largely alcoholic in content used as a skin freshener; eau de toilette. ΚΠ 1772 tr. P.-J. Buc'hoz Toilet of Flora 68 (heading) Nosegay or Toilet Water. 1857 C. Dickens Little Dorrit ii. xiv. 442 A bottle of sweet toilette water. 1989 A. Tan Joy Luck Club 92 A less greedy girl..received a glass vial of lavender toilet water. Derivatives toiˈletic adj. now rare of or relating to the toilet. ΘΚΠ the mind > attention and judgement > beautification > beautification of the person > [adjective] > relating to cosmetics cosmetical1559 cosmetic1650 toiletic1825 1825 Lancet 12 Mar. 303/1 The affectation of the simplex munditiis could not disguise the assumed indifference to toiletic arrangements and exterior appearance. 1879 S. W. Baker Cyprus 13 He..plunged into..their numerous small packages, rumpling clean linen, and producing a toilettic chaos. 1998 Crit. Inq. 24 509 There is a clear toiletic intertextuality between this project and Marcel Duchamp's Fountain. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2014; most recently modified version published online June 2022). toiletv. Brit. /ˈtɔɪlᵻt/, U.S. /ˈtɔɪlᵻt/ Inflections: Present participle toileting, (nonstandard) toiletting; past tense and past participle toileted, (nonstandard) toiletted; Origin: Formed within English, by conversion. Etymon: toilet n. Etymology: < toilet n. Compare earlier toileting n.Compare French toiletter to groom (1831, reflexive, with reference to animals; the transitive use in sense 2 is not paralleled until considerably later than in English: 1949). 1. intransitive. To wash, dress, and groom oneself. Cf. toilet n. 5a. Now rare. ΘΚΠ the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > providing with clothing > provide with clothing [verb (intransitive)] > in specific way > other mab1691 toilet1828 overdress1880 dude1894 underdress1908 the world > physical sensation > cleanness and dirtiness > cleaning > washing > washing oneself or body > wash oneself [verb (intransitive)] > and dress oneself toilet1828 1828 S. Beazley Roué (N.Y. ed.) I. xxiii. 217 Accordingly I toiletted at the last stage; gave orders to La Tour to drive through the squares, and set me down at the first house where lights and carriages should give the token of an assembly. 1840 T. C. Haliburton Let. Bag Great Western (U.K. ed.) i. 7 Rose and toileted, went on deck. 1893 C. G. Leland Memoirs II. 177 As soon as I had toiletted and gone below. 1999 R. K. Tanenbaum Act of Revenge viii. 148 She fed, toiletted, and dressed in mere minutes, and was out of the house at just past seven. 2. transitive. To dress or attire (a figure); to arrange (one's hair). reflexive: to groom (oneself). Now rare. ΘΚΠ the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > providing with clothing > provide with clothing [verb (transitive)] wrya901 clothec950 shride971 aturnc1220 begoa1225 array1297 graith1297 agraithc1300 geara1325 cleadc1325 adightc1330 apparel1362 back1362 shape1362 attirea1375 parela1375 tirea1375 rayc1390 addressa1393 coverc1394 aguisea1400 scredea1400 shrouda1400 bedightc1400 buskc1400 harnessc1400 hatterc1400 revesta1449 able1449 dressa1450 reparel?c1450 adub?1473 endue?a1475 afaite1484 revestera1500 beclothe1509 trimc1516 riga1535 invest1540 vesture1555 suit1577 clad1579 investure1582 vest1582 deck1587 habit1594 to make ready1596 caparison1597 skin1601 shadow1608 garment1614 riga1625 raiment1656 garb1673 equip1695 to fit out1722 encase1725 tog1793 trick1821 to fig out1825 enclothe1832 toilet1842 to get up1858 habilitate1885 tailor1885 kit1919 the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > providing with clothing > provide with clothing [verb (transitive)] > in specific way > other wear?c1225 wear?c1225 wear?a1366 hapc1390 to-ragc1430 to make up1593 puppet1635 to set out1688 undress1818 overclothe1819 toilet1842 1842 Art-union June 129/1 This small figure is..toileted with exceeding care, and reminds us much of the small portrait of Charles in the Louvre. 1850 P. Crook War of Hats 52 A Guy Fawkes figure toiletted and chaired. 1870 G. P. R. Pulman Rambles, Roamings & Recoll. 153 She was even then manifestly intent upon toiletting her hair on the most attractive principles. 1908 Daily Mail 20 Apr. 3/5 A Rhodesian doll, toiletted in blue beads. 1965 O. B. Egbuna Anthill ii. 21 (stage direct.) He walks from one corner of the room to another, opening and closing various drawers, toileting and sprucing himself ‘to kill’. 3. a. transitive. To assist or supervise (someone, esp. an invalid or infant) in using a toilet. ΘΚΠ the world > physical sensation > cleanness and dirtiness > sanitation > privy or latrine > [verb (transitive)] > assist or supervise using lavatory toilet1939 1939 Amer. Jrnl. Nursing 39 152/1 If the nurse finds Mrs. Arnold is always wet when 9.00 a.m. arrives,..she may well conclude that the patient should be toileted at an earlier hour in the morning. 1954 F. G. Blake Child, his Parents & Nurse v. 150 Some children stay awake after they have been toileted. 1973 Lancet 9 June 1301/1 The same type of elderly patient..may be..wheeled to the toilet in sanitary chairs, or toileted on these within the ward. 2010 West Austral. (Perth) (Nexis) 11 Dec. mai 70 30 per cent of centres did not meet basic hygiene standards when changing nappies and toileting children. b. transitive (reflexive). To use a toilet unaided. ΘΚΠ the world > physical sensation > cleanness and dirtiness > sanitation > privy or latrine > [verb (reflexive)] > use lavatory unaided toilet1968 1968 Life 26 July 56/1 If you ever come up with a way for your boy to toilet himself, I would like to be the first to know. 1976 Listener 19 Feb. 206/1 He is 100 per cent physically and mentally handicapped... He cannot walk, talk, feed or toilet himself. 2011 St. Paul (Minnesota) Pioneer Press (Nexis) 22 Dec. Is your child physically ready? Can she dress, eat, and toilet herself? This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2014; most recently modified version published online March 2022). < n.1538v.1828
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toiletn.

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toiletv.