1 habiliment | Definition of habiliment
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habiliment

noun
ha·​bil·​i·​ment | \ hÉ™-ˈbi-lÉ™-mÉ™nt How to pronounce habiliment (audio) \

Definition of habiliment

1 habiliments plural : characteristic apparatus : trappings the habiliments of civilization— W. P. Webb
2a : the dress characteristic of an occupation or occasion —usually used in plural
b : clothes —usually used in plural
Synonyms Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about habiliment

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Did You Know?

Habiliment, from Middle French abillement, is a bit old-fashioned and is often used to describe complex, multi-pieced outfits like those of medieval times. For instance, a full suit of armor-which might include a helmet, gorget, pallette, brassard, skirt of tasses, tuille, gauntlet, cuisse, jambeau, and solleret, along with other pieces and plates-can be considered the habiliments of a knight. Nowadays, "habiliment," which is usually used in its plural form, is also fitting for the dress of an occupation, such as the different vestments of a priest, or for clothes, such as elegant formal wear, worn on special occasions. When "habiliment" is used for plain old "clothes," it is more than likely for jocular or poetic effect.

Examples of habiliment in a Sentence

the lady's rich habiliments and haughty manner made the host's servants think she was someone important

First Known Use of habiliment

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for habiliment

Middle English abiliments, habilementes, from Middle French abillement, habillemens, from Old French abiller to prepare, equip, from bille trimmed wood, log — more at billet

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More from Merriam-Webster on habiliment

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for habiliment

Nglish: Translation of habiliment for Spanish Speakers

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