Main Entry:

¹liv·ery

Pronunciation:

\ˈli-və-rē, ˈliv-rē\

Function:

noun

Inflected Form(s):

plural liv·er·ies

Etymology:

Middle English, from Anglo-French liveree, livree, literally, delivery, from liverer to deliver, from Latin liberare to free — more at liberate

Date:

14th century

1archaic : the apportioning of provisions especially to servants : allowance2 a: the distinctive clothing or badge formerly worn by the retainers of a person of rank b: a servant's uniform c: distinctive dress : garb dchiefly British : an identifying design (as on a vehicle) that designates ownership3archaic a: one's retainers or retinue b: the members of a British livery company4: the act of delivering legal possession of property5 a: the feeding, stabling, and care of horses for pay b: livery stable c: a concern offering vehicles (as boats) for rent