I. ˈgärnish, ˈgȧn-, -nēsh, esp in pres part -nəsh transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-es )
Etymology: Middle English garnishen to embellish, equip., from Middle French garniss-, stem of garnir to garnish, equip, prepare, arn, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German wernen to refuse, warnōn to take heed — more at warn
1.
a. : to make fancy or striking : embellish
a very handsome demi-peaked saddle … garnished with a double row of silver-headed studs — Laurence Sterne
the heroism of the men of the Alamo needs no garnishing — American Guide Series: Texas
specifically : to add garlands to (a camouflage net)
b. : to add decorative or savory touches to (food)
the chef had garnished her entree with Chinese vegetable leaves — Thomas Gallagher
2.
a. obsolete : to equip or arm (oneself)
garnished for the chase — William Shenstone
b. : to equip for use : furnish
huge stone fireplaces garnished with shining copper warming pans and cooking utensils — Richard Joseph
3. : garnishee
Synonyms: see adorn
II. noun
( -es )
Etymology: Middle English, from garnishen, v.
1. : a set of flatware (as of pewter)
2.
a. : something added for decoration : embellishment
coat with a garnish of fur
after-dinner speeches that have a garnish of humor
b. : a decorative or flavorful adjunct to a dish prepared for the table
garnish of parsley
3.
a. : an unauthorized fee (as drink money for the other prisoners) formerly extorted from a new inmate by the keeper of an English jail
b. : a similar payment required of a workman in celebration of his first job