Wearing Apparel - English Definition & Meaning

Definition

"Wearing apparel" is a slightly redundant but often legally precise term that means clothes or garments that people wear. It is essentially another way of saying 'clothing', and it covers any item used for covering the body. It encompasses everything from socks to hats to dresses. It is a more formal and specific alternative to using just "clothes". It's used to avoid ambiguity in legal documents. 📜

Etymology

The etymology breaks down simply: "wearing" comes from the Old English "werian," meaning to clothe or cover. "Apparel" as detailed before, derives from Latin "adparare," meaning "to prepare or fit out." Thus, "wearing apparel" directly combines the action of clothing oneself with the concept of prepared garments. It's a descriptive phrase reinforcing the purpose of clothing. 🧵

Related Words

Examples

• "The contract specified that the company would provide employees with adequate wearing apparel."
• "Customs regulations require a declaration of all wearing apparel brought into the country."
• "The lost and found contained a collection of abandoned wearing apparel."
• "The store offered a wide selection of winter wearing apparel."

Encouragement

While 'wearing apparel' might sound a bit stiff, it's useful in formal contexts. Using it can show you understand legal or precise language. Plus, it adds a touch of sophistication to your vocabulary! ✨

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