v. & n.
v. 1 tr. & intr. bring or come together; assemble, accumulate. 2 tr. (usu. foll. by up) a bring together from scattered places or sources. b take up together from the ground, a surface, etc. c draw into a smaller compass. 3 tr. acquire by gradually collecting; amass. 4 tr. a pick a quantity of (flowers etc.). b collect (grain etc.) as a harvest. 5 tr. (often foll. by that + clause) infer or understand. 6 tr. be subjected to or affected by the accumulation or increase of (unread books gathering dust; gather speed; gather strength). 7 tr. (often foll. by up) summon up (one's thoughts, energy, etc.) for a purpose. 8 tr. gain or recover (one's breath). 9 tr. a draw (material, or one's brow) together in folds or wrinkles. b pucker or draw together (part of a dress) by running a thread through. 10 intr. come to a head; develop a purulent swelling.
n. (in pl.) a part of a garment that is gathered or drawn in. gather way (of a ship) begin to move. gatherer n.
[ OE gaderian f. WG ]