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A witzchoura (sometimes witz-chouras) was a type of mantle,
A witzchoura (sometimes witz-chouras) was a type of mantle, pelisse
A pelisse was originally a short fur-trimmed jacket which hussar light-cavalry soldiers from the 17th century onwards usually wore hanging loose over the left shoulder, ostensibly to prevent sword cuts. The name also came to refer to a fashionab ...
, or sleeved cloak
A cloak is a type of loose garment worn over clothing, mostly but not always as outerwear for outdoor wear, serving the same purpose as an overcoat, protecting the wearer from the weather. It may form part of a uniform. Cloaks have been and a ...
, with a large collar and, sometimes, a hood, that was particularly fashionable in the early 19th century. The term derives from the Polish word ''wilczura'', meaning 'wolf fur coat'. It was inspired by Polish styles, hence sometimes being described as ''a la Polonaise'', although it is not the same as the gown called a polonaise
The polonaise (, ; pl, polonez ) is a dance of Polish origin, one of the five Polish national dances in time. Its name is French for "Polish" adjective feminine/"Polish woman"/"girl". The original Polish name of the dance is Chodzony, meani ...
. Like the original hussar
A hussar ( , ; hu, huszár, pl, husarz, sh, husar / ) was a member of a class of light cavalry, originating in Central Europe during the 15th and 16th centuries. The title and distinctive dress of these horsemen were subsequently widely ...
's pelisse, it was typically lined with fur.
The witzchoura is said to have emerged about 1808, soon after Napoleon
Napoleon Bonaparte ; it, Napoleone Bonaparte, ; co, Napulione Buonaparte. (born Napoleone Buonaparte; 15 August 1769 – 5 May 1821), later known by his regnal name Napoleon I, was a French military commander and political leader who ...
met with his Polish mistress, Marie Walewska
Marie Walewska, Countess Walewska (née Łączyńska; pl, Maria Walewska; 7 December 1786 – 11 December 1817) was a Polish noblewoman and an important figure at the court of Emperor Napoleon I with the role to influence him positively for th ...
, and was worn throughout the first half of the 19th century. Versions of the witzchoura were still being worn for travelling in 1849.
See also
References
19th-century fashion History of clothing (Western fashion) Robes and cloaks Polish clothing {{fashion-stub