attire
UK[əˈtaɪə(r)]US[əˈtaɪər]
n
Clothes, especially of a particular or formal type
v
To dress someone in clothes, especially of a particular type
Morpheme Breakdown
at
tire
at
to
tire
to draw, pull, or arrange
Etymology
The word 'attire' entered English in the 13th century from the Old French verb 'atirier', which meant 'to put in order, arrange, or prepare'. This French term was built from the prefix 'a-' (to, towards) and 'tirer' (to draw or pull). The original sense was one of preparation and arrangement, specifically of equipment or gear. Over time, this meaning narrowed and specialized to refer specifically to the arrangement and preparation of one's clothing, leading to its modern sense of formal or distinctive dress.
Analysis
Structure: at + tire
at: From Old French 'a-', a prefix meaning 'to' or 'towards'.
tire: From Old French 'tirer', meaning 'to draw, pull, or arrange'. In this context, it evolved to mean 'order, sequence, or equipment'.
Examples
The guests were dressed in formal evening attire.
The dancers were attired in colorful traditional costumes.
Business attire is required for the conference.