livery

¹liv·ery

noun \ˈli-və-rē, ˈliv-rē\

plural liv·er·ies

Definition of LIVERY

1

archaic : the apportioning of provisions especially to servants : allowance

2

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 d chiefly British : an identifying design (as on a vehicle) that designates ownership

3

archaic a : one's retainers or retinue b : the members of a British livery company

4

: the act of delivering legal possession of property

5

a : the feeding, stabling, and care of horses for pay b : livery stable c : a concern offering vehicles (as boats) for rent

Examples of LIVERY

1. <the limousine chauffeur was easily distinguished from the cab drivers by his livery>

Origin of LIVERY

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

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to LIVERY

Synonyms: uniform, outfit

Related Words: fatigues, full dress, regimentals; costume, finery, regalia

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Other Clothing Terms

babushka, brogue, bumbershoot, cravat, dishabille, furbelow, layette, raiment, spectator

Rhymes with LIVERY

shivery