v. & n.
--v.tr.
1. (often foll. by from) procure the temporary use of (a thing) for an agreed payment (hired a van from them).
2 esp. US employ (a person) for wages or a fee.
3 US borrow (money).
--n.
1. hiring or being hired.
2 payment for this.
Phrases and idioms:
for (or on) hire ready to be hired. hire-car a car available for hire. hired girl (or man) US a domestic servant, esp. on a farm. hire out grant the temporary use of (a thing) for an agreed payment. hire purchase Brit. a system by which a person may purchase a thing by regular payments while having the use of it.
Derivatives:
hireable adj. (US hirable). hirer n.
Etymology: OE hyrian, hyr f. WG