hope chest

English

Noun

hope chest (plural hope chests)

1. A box containing items, especially clothing, table linens, towels, bed linens, and quilts, typically stored by unmarried young women in anticipation of future marriages or married lives.

Usage notes

The term "hope chest" may be used primarily by Midwestern American women. The term "glory box" is used by women in the United Kingdom and Australia.

Synonyms

• wedding chest
• glory box
• glory-box

See also

• dowry
• trousseau