Robes

[ravenclawlady]

Original Yahoo! HPFG Header:
No: HPFGUIDX C5354
From: ravenclawlady
Subject: Robes
Date: 7/30/00 12:05 am  (ET)

This clothing discussion brings to my mind a rather strange question I
have regarding the robes. I've never seen it addressed on any HP list,
so I thought I'd ask.

It strikes me as strange when I see "robes" being used in the plural
(e.g., Harry changed out of his Quidditch robes). Of course, you're
talking about more than one robe if you mean someone's wardrobe (Harry
packed his robes) or what two or more people are wearing (Harry and Ron
put on their robes).

But I always picture each person wearing ONE robe at a time. Do their
robes come in parts, so that a single garment is referred to in the
plural (like trousers)? Do they wear an over-robe and an under-robe? Or
is it, as I thought in the beginning, a very subtle difference between
US English and British English?

Thoughts/clarifications, anyone?

Melanie