Equipage

/ˈɛkwɪpɪdʒ/ noun

Definition

A carriage with horses and attendants; all the necessary items needed for a particular activity or journey; a noble's household staff and furnishings.

Etymology

From French 'équipage', derived from 'équiper' (to equip), which traces to 'équipe' (team/crew) and ultimately Latin 'equus' (horse). The word originally meant the horses and gear for travel, then expanded to include attendants and household items.

Kelly Says

In Victorian novels, a lady's 'equipage'—her carriage and servants—was a status symbol showing her wealth and position! The word perfectly captures how being 'equipped' once meant having the horses, servants, and fancy carriage necessary to move about society, all bundled into one concept.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

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