I. ˈgärb, ˈgȧb noun
( -s )
Etymology: Old North French garbe, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German garba sheaf; akin to Sanskrit gṛbhṇāti, gṛhṇāti he seizes — more at grab
heraldry : a sheaf of grain (as wheat)
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle French or Old Italian; Middle French garbe graceful outline, contour, grace, from Old Italian garbo grace, perhaps modification of Arabic qālab mold, model
1. obsolete : stylishness in looks or bearing : elegance
ladies and gentlemen that are of any garb — Richard Lassels
2. : prevailing mode : style
could not speak English in the native garb — Shakespeare
3. obsolete : manner of behavior : conduct
this sullen garb , this moody discontent — Nicholas Rowe
4.
a. : style of apparel : costume
in formal garb , a tail coat with silk binding … gray spats and shiny patent leather shoes — W.A.White
b. : style of expression : outward form
give their lie the further appearance of truth and their madness the outward garb of sanity — Lewis Mumford
III. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
1. : to cover with clothing : dress
garbed themselves in cowboy outfits — Savings Banker
2. : to cover as if with clothing : invest
garbed each one of them with … individual dignity — R.G.Swing