# Delia

/ˈdiɫjə/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/delia
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a long, loose coat with wide sleeves that men used to wear in Poland and Lithuania. It was often worn over a long robe and tied with a belt.

For teachers: a traditional outer garment worn by male nobility in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, typically featuring wide sleeves and a front closure. Often worn over a kontusz and secured with a decorative sash.

## Examples

- The nobleman wore a silk delia for the ceremony.
- Historical paintings of the Polish gentry frequently depict men in a delia, often lined with fur for winter warmth.
- The museum's textile collection includes a remarkably preserved seventeenth-century delia, showcasing the intricate embroidery and heavy velvet typical of the period's aristocratic fashion.

## Usage notes

- Primarily used in historical or literary contexts regarding Eastern European history.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.