bib [L16th] A bib for a baby is recorded from the late 16th century. It probably came from the old word bib from Latin bibere, meaning ‘to drink’. Towards the end of the 17th century adults too were wearing bibs, often as part of an apron. Women could decorate this with a tucker [L17th], a piece of lace worn round the top of the bodice—’The countrywoman…minds nothing on Sundays so much as her best bib and tucker’ (1747). Soon men, too, were described as wearing their best bib and tucker, their smartest clothes. See also beer.