What is a Trousseau?
The possessions, such as clothing and linens, that a bride assembles for her marriage. Throughout history, single young women all over the world have prepared for their change in marital status by accumulating a trousseau. A traditional trousseau -- stored in a hope chest -- included bridal accessories plus quilts, bath towels, and cooking tools and dishes for her new home. From Victorian times till today, the trousseau also has consisted of brand-new outfits to see a woman through her wedding, honeymoon, and newlywed days. Oftentimes the garments in a trousseau were hand-sewn by a mother, aunt, grandmother, or the girl herself.
According to the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language(Fourth Edition, 2000).
