Betire

/bɪˈtaɪər/ verb

Definition

An archaic verb meaning to clothe, dress, or attire someone; to outfit or decorate.

Etymology

From 'be-' combined with 'tire,' an archaic word meaning attire or headdress. In Middle English, 'tire' or 'tyre' was a common word for clothing, especially a woman's headdress or elaborate dress.

Kelly Says

Medieval tailors and dressmakers would have used 'betire' to describe dressing someone up elaborately—it's why we still see 'tire' and 'attire' in modern English, both relating to dressing oneself for a specific social moment.

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