[fur.nish] vt [ME furnisshen, fr. MF fourniss-, stem of fournir to complete, equip, of Gmc origin; akin to OHG frummen to further, fruma advantage--more at foremost] (15c) 1: to provide with what is needed; esp: to equip with furniture
2: supply, give "~ed food and shelter for the refugees" -- fur.nish.er n syn furnish, equip, outfit, appoint, accoutre mean to supply one with what is needed. furnish implies the provision of any or all essentials for performing a function "a sparsely furnished apartment". equip suggests the provision of something making for efficiency in action or use "a fully equipped kitchen". outfit implies provision of a complete list or set of articles as for a journey, an expedition, or a special occupation "outfitted the family for a ski trip". appoint implies provision of complete and usu. elegant or elaborate equipment or furnishings "a lavishly appointed apartment". accoutre suggests the supplying of personal dress or equipment for a special activity "fully accoutred members of a polar expedition".