What is a "dicky"?

A dicky, also known as a dickie or dickey, is a type of false shirt front or collar that is worn as a substitute for a full shirt. It is typically made from lightweight fabric and can be worn with a suit or other formal attire to create the illusion of wearing a complete dress shirt. Dicky is designed to cover only the neck and chest area, leaving the arms free. It may feature a collar and buttons to give the appearance of a traditional shirt or be a simple bib-like piece of fabric that fastens around the neck. Dicky was a popular clothing item in the 19th and early 20th centuries, but it has since fallen out of fashion and is rarely seen in modern times.