dowdy

Etymology

Late 16th century. Origin uncertain: probably literally “little poorly dressed woman,” formed from doue, “poorly dressed woman.” Possibly also related to the Scots dow, meaning to "fade".

adj

1. Plain and unfashionable in style or dress.
2. Lacking stylishness or neatness; shabby.

noun

1. A plain or shabby person.
   Besides these, however, and the determined dowdies, women who either do not understand dress, or who will not be troubled with it, there are certainly many who, while always anxious to appear to the best advantage, are not wealthy enough to do so […] 1877, Truth, volume 1, page 615
   The men are all dowdies and the women are all dandies, aren't they? 1895, Oscar Wilde, An Ideal Husband

verb

1. (cooking, transitive) To press the crust into the filling during baking, to allow the juices to caramelize on top.
   Topping the apples with squares of dough allowed steam to escape during baking, preventing the apples from overcooking. Dowdying the crust partway through created the dessert's sweet finish. 2021, America's Test Kitchen, The Complete Cook’s Country TV Show Cookbook, page 743