garb

Garb is a noun meaning clothing or dress, especially a distinctive or ceremonial form of attire. It is used to refer to the clothing appropriate to a particular role, culture, or occasion, rather than everyday garments. The term often carries a sense of formality or association with a specific group, occupation, or tradition. In modern usage, phrases such as ceremonial garb, religious garb, or court garb are common, as are references to the “garb of a profession” or “traditional garb” of a culture.

Garb can also function as a verb: to garb someone means to clothe or dress them in a particular manner. The past participle garbed, and the related form garbing, are encountered in literary or historical writing, though the verb is less common in everyday speech than the noun.

Etymology and related terms: The word garb has long roots in English, with attestations dating back to the Middle English period. Its exact origin is uncertain, but the term is closely linked to notions of dress and clothing and is related to equivalent terms in other languages that refer to gear or attire. In most contexts, garb remains a relatively formal or literary option compared with synonyms like clothing, attire, or dress.

Usage notes: Garb is versatile across contexts, including discussions of traditional dress, occupational uniforms, or ceremonial clothing. It tends to appear more often in descriptive, historical, or formal writing than in casual conversation.

See also:

- Attire

- Clothing

- Garment

- Dress

- Uniform

- Costume