ware Hear it!

ware1 definition

ware (wer)

noun

  1. any piece or kind of goods that a store, merchant, peddler, etc. has to sell; also, any skill or service that one seeks to sell: usually used in pl.
  2. things, usually of the same general kind, that are for sale; a (specified) kind of merchandise, collectively: generally in compounds hardware, earthenware, glassware
  3. dishes made of baked and glazed clay; pottery, or a specified kind or make of pottery

Etymology: ME < OE waru, merchandise, specialized use of waru, watchful care, in the sense “what is kept safe”: for IE base see guard

ware2 definition

ware (wer)

adjective

  1. aware; conscious (of)
  2. on one's guard; ready; wary
  3. prudent; cautious; wise

Etymology: ME war < OE wær < base of waru: see ware

transitive verb wared, waring war′·ing

to beware of: usually in the imperative, esp. in hunting ware hounds!

Etymology: ME waren < OE warian

ware3 definition

ware (wār)

transitive verb wared, waring war′·ing

Scot., North Eng. to spend or squander (money, time, etc.)

Etymology: ME waren < ON verja, akin to OE werian: see wear

Comments


Do you have more to add? Sign in to share your linguistic knowledge or observation.

Connect with Facebook