knitwear

the compound word "knitwear" is a modern english formation, combining two old english roots to precisely describe a category of clothing. the first element, "knit," originates from the old english verb cnyttan, meaning to tie or fasten, which evolved to specifically denote the craft of creating fabric by interlocking loops of yarn. the second element, "wear," derives from the old english verb werian, meaning to carry or to clothe oneself, which by the late middle english period had become a noun for items of apparel. fused in the late 19th or early 20th century, the term "knitwear" logically and transparently denotes garments produced through the knitting process, distinguishing them from woven or other types of apparel.

Structure: knit (to make fabric by interlocking loops of yarn) + wear (clothing) - knit: from old english cnyttan (to tie, bind, fasten). functional role: root, indicating the method of construction. - wear: from old english werian (to clothe, put on, carry). functional role: root, indicating the category of item (clothing).