n. & v.
--n.
1. a a set of outer clothes of matching material for men, consisting usu. of a jacket, trousers, and sometimes a waistcoat. b a similar set of clothes for women usu. having a skirt instead of trousers. c (esp. in comb.) a set of clothes for a special occasion, occupation, etc. (play-suit; swimsuit).
2 a any of the four sets (spades, hearts, diamonds, clubs) into which a pack of cards is divided. b a player's holding in a suit (his strong suit was clubs). c Bridge one of the suits as proposed trumps in bidding, frequently as opposed to no trumps.
3 (in full suit at law) a lawsuit (criminal suit).
4 a a petition esp. to a person in authority. b the process of courting a woman (paid suit to her).
5 (usu. foll. by of) a set of sails, armour, etc.
--v.
1. tr. go well with (a person's figure, features, character, etc.); become.
2 tr. (also absol.) meet the demands or requirements of; satisfy; agree with (does not suit all tastes; that date will suit).
3 tr. make fitting or appropriate; accommodate; adapt (suited his style to his audience).
4 tr. (as suited adj.) appropriate; well-fitted (not suited to be an engineer).
5 intr. (usu. foll. by with) go well with the appearance etc. of a person (red hair suits with her complexion).
Phrases and idioms:
suit the action to the word carry out a promise or threat at once. suit oneself
1. do as one chooses.
2 find something that satisfies one.
Etymology: ME f. AF siute, OF si(e)ute f. fem. past part. of Rmc sequere (unrecorded) follow: see SUE