Frock: The end of words

I have been doing research in our newspaper archives in recent weeks for various stories and always pause when I come across words that have died from common usage.

For some reason, the word “frock” has surfaced again and again.

Frock: A woman’s dress.

I’m surprised the word hasn’t be usurped by someone making it a swear word alternative. You know what I mean. I’m glad it hasn’t. When I see the word “frock” I think of times in decades past when women wore frocks most of the day, even at home.

(Women in frocks from the movie “Stepford Wives.” S-R archives)