agbada

Where does the word "agbada" come from? It comes from Yoruba agbádá, and was adopted directly into English (1900s).

Agbada’s story begins in Yoruba: agbádá meant “a large, flowing robe.” Described the flowing, voluminous ceremonial robe worn by men over other garments. It reached English by 1900s as agbada. Entered English fashion writing via Nigerian and wider West African diaspora culture. Today, agbada means a large, flowing wide-sleeved robe worn as ceremonial menswear across West Africa.

1. Stage 1 · Yoruba · traditional agbádá "a large, flowing robe", described the flowing, voluminous ceremonial robe worn by men over other garments.
2. Stage 2 · English · 1900s agbada "a wide-sleeved, flowing ceremonial robe", entered English fashion writing via Nigerian and wider West African diaspora culture.