Endue

/ɛnˈdju/ verb

Definition

To provide or equip someone with a quality, ability, or characteristic; to put on or assume (archaic: to put on clothing).

Etymology

From Old French 'enduire', from Latin 'inducere' (to lead in, to put on), where 'in-' (in) plus 'ducere' (to lead). Over time, the meaning shifted from physically putting on to figuratively endowing with qualities.

Kelly Says

Endue is Shakespeare's word—he used it for how God 'endued' people with reason and virtue—but the medical world kept it alive by talking about how someone is 'endued with resistance' or 'endued with talent' in scientific writing.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.