I. ˈwer adjective
Etymology: Middle English war, ware careful, aware, from Old English wær — more at wary
Date: before 12th century
1. : aware , conscious
was ware of black looks cast at me — Mary Webb
2. archaic : wary , vigilant
II. transitive verb
( wared ; war·ing )
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English warian; akin to Old High German bi warōn to protect, Old English wær aware
Date: before 12th century
: to beware of : avoid — used chiefly as a command to hunting animals
III. noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English waru; akin to Middle High German ware ware and probably to Sanskrit vasna price — more at venal
Date: before 12th century
1.
a. : manufactured articles, products of art or craft, or farm produce : goods — often used in combination
tin ware
b. : an article of merchandise
2. : articles (as pottery or dishes) of fired clay
earthen ware
3. : an intangible item (as a service or ability) that is a marketable commodity
IV. transitive verb
( wared ; war·ing )
Etymology: Middle English, probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse verja (past participle varithr, varthr to clothe, invest, spend — more at wear
Date: 14th century
Scottish : spend , expend