gored
UK[ɡɔːd]US[ɡɔːrd]
adj
(of fabric or clothing) having a triangular or tapering piece of material inserted to give fullness or shape.
adj
(of an animal or person) wounded by piercing with a horn or tusk.
Morpheme Breakdown
gore
ed
gore
triangular piece; to pierce
ed
adjective suffix
Etymology
the word 'gored' presents a fascinating convergence of two distinct old english roots into a single modern spelling. the first, from old english 'gār' (spear, dart), evolved to signify the action of piercing, as with a spear or horn. the second, likely from old english 'gāra' (triangular piece of land), came to denote a triangular insert in sewing. the suffix '-ed', a common germanic participial ending, attaches to form an adjective. thus, 'gored' logically describes either the state of having been pierced or the characteristic of being constructed with triangular gores, showcasing how a shared form branches into specialized modern meanings.
Analysis
Structure: gore (triangular piece; to pierce) + ed (adjective suffix)
gore (from old english 'gār', meaning spear, or middle english 'gore', meaning triangular piece of land/cloth), ed (from old english '-ed', '-od', '-ad', past participle/adjective-forming suffix).
Examples
the skirt was gored to allow for more movement.
the matador was nearly gored by the bull's horn.
this vintage dress features a beautifully gored silhouette.