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regalia

/rəˈgeɪliə/
/rɪˈgeɪliə/
IPA guide

Other forms: regalias

Regalia is clothing worn for formal functions by people who will be in the public eye. If you see Miss America at the grocery store, you might not recognize her because she's not wearing her pageant regalia.

Regalia looks like regal and in fact, can refer to things owned by members of royalty that convey their official positions. Crowns, sashes, scepters, tiaras? Regalia. The prince's riding boots and the duchess's bath robes? Nope. Technically, regalia is a plural word, from Latin (the singular would be regalis) but it can be used with a singular or plural verb: Here is Queen Elizabeth's regalia. Her regalia are exquisite.

Definitions of regalia
  1. noun
    paraphernalia indicative of royalty (or other high office)
    see moresee less
    types:
    crown jewels
    regalia (jewelry and other paraphernalia) worn by a sovereign on state occasions
    crown, diadem
    an ornamental jeweled headdress signifying sovereignty
    type of:
    appurtenance, gear, paraphernalia
    equipment consisting of miscellaneous articles needed for a particular operation or sport etc.
  2. noun
    especially fine or decorative clothing
    synonyms: array, raiment
    see moresee less
    types:
    war paint
    full ceremonial regalia
    type of:
    article of clothing, clothing, habiliment, vesture, wear, wearable
    a covering designed to be worn on a person's body
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