I. ˈgär-nish transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French garniss-, stem of garnir to warn, equip, garnish, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German warnōn to take heed — more at warn
Date: 14th century
1.
a. : decorate , embellish
b. : to add decorative or savory touches to (food or drink)
2. : to equip with accessories : furnish
3. : garnishee
Synonyms: see adorn
II. noun
Date: 1596
1. : embellishment , ornament
2. : something (as lemon wedges or parsley) used to garnish food or drink
3.
a. : an unauthorized fee formerly extorted from a new inmate of an English jail
b. : a similar payment required of a new worker