ˈfərnə̇chər, ˈfə̄nə̇chə(r, ˈfəinə̇chə(r, -nēch- sometimes -ˌchu̇(ə)r or -u̇ə noun
( -s )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Middle French fourniture, from fournir, furnir, fornir to complete, carry out, equip — more at furnish
1. obsolete
a.
(1) : the act of furnishing or decorating
(2) : an article of decoration : ornament
see the barge be ready and fit it with such furniture as suits the greatness of his person — Shakespeare
b. : the execution of a plan
toward the furniture of his hostile designs he had extraordinary subsidy — John Speed
2.
a. obsolete : stock , store , supply
we were particularly searched to the effect we carried in no furniture of arms nor powder — William Lithgow
b. : that by which something is filled : contents
the Constitution has the normal furniture of all constitutions — provisions for amendment, for admitting member states — T.H.White b 1915
3. : something that is necessary, useful, or desirable: as
a. archaic : the harness and trappings especially of a horse
the saddles and rich furniture of the cavalry — Edward Gibbon
b. : a fund of ideas or information : mental equipment
my intellectual furniture consists of an assortment of general propositions — O.W.Holmes †1935
c. obsolete : personal belongings : clothing , armor
the king would find himself incommoded with all that furniture upon his back — Andrew Marvell
d. : articles of convenience or decoration used to furnish living quarters, offices, public and private buildings — usually used of movable articles (as tables and chairs) as distinguished from such permanent installations as bathroom fixtures
e. : equipment needed for work or active service ; specifically : the tackle of a ship
f. : a mixture stop in a pipe organ
4. archaic : the state of being equipped : readiness for action
you will inform yourself of the furniture of the French on the Mediterranean seas — John Evelyn
5. : useful or decorative appendages : accessories: as
a. : the mountings of a gun
b. : pieces of wood or metal less than type high that are placed in printing forms to fill in blank spaces or used with quoins to fasten matter in a chase
c. : hardware ; specifically : the metal trimmings on a coffin
d. : background details
mere furniture counts for a good deal in the best romances, and they are full of descriptions of riches and splendors — W.P.Ker