livery

¹

[ liv-uh-ree, liv-ree ]

noun

, plural liv·er·ies.

1. the care, feeding, stabling, etc., of horses for pay.
2. Also called livery stable. a stable where horses are cared for or rented out for pay.
3. a company that rents out automobiles, boats, etc.
4. a distinctive design or color scheme that marks something, especially a bus, train, airplane, etc., as belonging to a particular company or organization:

   This airline's red-and-blue livery makes its planes easy to spot.

5. a distinctive uniform, badge, or device formerly provided for servants.
6. 1. distinctive attire worn by an official, a member of a company or guild, etc.
   2. Also called livery company. British. a guild or company of the City of London entitled to wear such livery.
7. characteristic dress or outward appearance:

   the green livery of summer.

8. Law. an ancient method of conveying a freehold by formal delivery of possession.

livery

²

[ liv-uh-ree ]

adjective

1. liverish ( def ).

livery

¹

/ ˈlɪvərɪ /

adjective

1. of or resembling liver
2. another word for liverish

livery

²

/ ˈlɪvərɪ /

noun

1. the identifying uniform, badge, etc, of a member of a guild or one of the servants of a feudal lord
2. a uniform worn by some menservants and chauffeurs
3. an individual or group that wears such a uniform
4. distinctive dress or outward appearance
5. 1. the stabling, keeping, or hiring out of horses for money
   2. ( as modifier )

      a livery horse

6. at livery
   being kept in a livery stable
7. legal history an ancient method of conveying freehold land

Word History and Origins

Origin of livery¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English livere, from Anglo-French, equivalent to Old French livree “allowance (of food, clothing, etc.),” noun use of feminine past participle of livrer “to give over,” from Latin līberāre; liberate

Origin of livery²

First recorded in 1770–80; liver ¹ + -y ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of livery¹

C14: via Anglo-French from Old French livrée allocation, from livrer to hand over, from Latin līberāre to set free

Example Sentences

Between the pomp surrounding donning one’s holy livery, pointed glares and swishing red silks and velvets, these cassocked clergymen make bored teenagers seem kind.

From Salon

Historical markings along Caliente-Bodfish Road indicate buildings that once existed: barbershop, a blacksmith, the Grand Inn and a livery stable.

From Los Angeles Times

The 507001 was recently restored to British Rail blue and grey livery to commemorate its long service, which Mr Hampton said has made it "something of a celebrity among rail enthusiasts".

From BBC

The portrait was commissioned by the Drapers' Company, the City of London livery company which has been collecting royal portraits for centuries.

From BBC

Now this is how you do a one-off livery.

From BBC

Related Words

• apparel
• attire
• dress
• ensemble
• fashion
• garb
• getup
• style
• suit
• uniform
• wardrobe