suitn.

Brit.

/suːt/,

/sjuːt/, U.S.

/sut/

Forms:

α. Middle English seude (transmission error), Middle English sevte, Middle English sewht, Middle English sieut, Middle English siewte, Middle English siute, Middle English siwte, Middle English sott, Middle English sout, Middle English soute, Middle English sowte, Middle English soyte, Middle English suttes (plural), Middle English swt, Middle English swtte, Middle English sywete, Middle English sywte, Middle English sywyte, Middle English–1500s seute, Middle English–1500s sote, Middle English–1500s suete, Middle English–1500s suyt, Middle English–1500s suytt, Middle English–1500s suytte, Middle English–1500s swete, Middle English 1600s seut, Middle English–1600s sewt, Middle English–1600s sewte, Middle English–1600s suet, Middle English–1600s sut, Middle English–1600s svte, Middle English–1600s swte, Middle English–1700s suyte, Middle English–1800s suite, late Middle English swth (perhaps transmission error), late Middle English– suit, 1500s sewet, 1500s sewett, 1500s–1600s sewit, 1500s soote, 1500s suettes (plural), 1500s sueyt, 1500s suitt, 1500s suitte, 1500s sutt, 1500s swyte, 1600s sutte, 1600s–1700s zuit (English regional), Middle English–1700s (1800s English regional) sute; Scottish pre-1700 seit, pre-1700 seut, pre-1700 seute, pre-1700 sewt, pre-1700 sewte, pre-1700 soit, pre-1700 soite, pre-1700 soittis (plural), pre-1700 soot, pre-1700 soote, pre-1700 sote, pre-1700 soultis (plural), pre-1700 sout, pre-1700 sowittis (plural), pre-1700 sowttis (plural), pre-1700 soyite, pre-1700 soyt, pre-1700 soyte, pre-1700 soyth, pre-1700 soytt, pre-1700 suet, pre-1700 suett, pre-1700 suitt, pre-1700 suitte, pre-1700 sut, pre-1700 suth, pre-1700 sutt, pre-1700 sutte, pre-1700 suyte, pre-1700 suyth, pre-1700 suyttis (plural), pre-1700 swit, pre-1700 swite, pre-1700 switt, pre-1700 swt, pre-1700 swte, pre-1700 swtte, pre-1700 swyt, pre-1700 swyte, pre-1700 swyttis (plural), pre-1700 1700s suite, pre-1700 1700s sute, pre-1700 1700s– suit, 1800s seet (north-eastern).

β. 1500s shutt, 1500s shutte, 1500s–1700s shute, 1600s shoot, 1600s shuett, 1600s shuite; Scottish pre-1700 showtt, pre-1700 shuet, pre-1700 shut, pre-1700 shutt, pre-1700 1800s shute, 1800s– shoot; Irish English (northern) 1800s– shoot, 1800s– shuit.

Origin: A borrowing from French. Etymons: French siute, seute, suite.

Etymology: < Anglo-Norman siute, siwte, suete, sute, seut, suit, Anglo-Norman and Middle French seute, seutte, sieute, suitte, Anglo-Norman and Middle French, French suite action of suing in a court of law (c1150 in Old French), group of followers, retinue (c1185 or earlier), pursuit, chase (1275 or earlier), family, household (c1300 or earlier), number of things forming a definite set (1351), pursuit of an object or quest (late 14th cent.), set of clothes (late 14th cent.), suite of rooms (c1590), in Anglo-Norman also attendance by a tenant at his or her lord's court (1259 or earlier; more fully siute de curt ), application, request to initiate legal proceedings (1275 or earlier), mill dues (c1300 or earlier), dues, payment of dues (both a1321 or earlier), right to bring an action (first half of the 14th cent. or earlier), inquiry, request (end of the 14th cent.) < an unattested post-classical Latin form *sequita , use as noun of feminine past participle of sequere to follow (see sue v.). Compare suite n., a later reborrowing of the French noun.The post-classical Latin equivalent of suit in various senses was secta (see sect n.¹, set n.²); senses of this noun relevant to English suit include: pursuit, chase, progeny, family, obligation of a tenant to attend at his or her lord's court (frequently from 12th cent. in British sources), lawsuit, action at law, retinue (frequently from 13th cent. in British sources), set of clothes, uniform, livery (frequently from 14th cent. in British sources). Compare also ( < French) post-classical Latin seuta , suita obligation of a tenant to attend at his or her lord's court (12th cent. in British sources), prosecution, legal process (14th cent. in a British source). Specific forms. In the (now regional) β. forms, assibilation of /sj/ (from earlier /si/) to /ʃ/ is reflected in the spelling. On this assibilation compare discussion in E. J. Dobson Eng. Pronunc. 1500–1700 (ed. 2, 1968) II. §185 and §388. Specific phrases. With in suit in the specific sense ‘in harmony with, uniform’ (see sense 11) and in suit with at Phrases 1b compare later en suite adv. Distinction from suite n. suite n. shows a later reborrowing of the same French noun, in a partially overlapping set of meanings. Middle English instances of suite and similar spellings have been placed at this entry, rather than at suite n.; instances from later than 1500 have been placed at suite n. when they are in senses normally realized by suite in modern-day English, but have otherwise been retained at this entry.

I. Pursuit, prosecution, and related senses.

†1.

a. Pursuit, chase. Also: an instance of this; a pursuit. Obsolete.In quot. c1300 in with great suit: at great speed, at a rapid pace.

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > progressive motion > order of movement > following behind > [noun] > pursuit

chase1297

suitc1300

pursuita1387

chasingc1440

prosecution1567

dogging1611

pursuement1615

followinga1649

pursuance1648

pursual1797

c1300 St. James Great (Laud) l. 263 in C. Horstmann Early S.-Eng. Legendary (1887) 42 Þo huy come with-oute toune a luyte, þis luþere man aftur cam, hotinde out, with grete siwte.

a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) l. 2392 Lest þe segges wold haue sesed here seute to folwe.

a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) viii. l. 2930 (MED) Thou miht noght make suite and chace, Wher that the game is nought pernable.

1486 Bk. St. Albans sig. ev When he after foode makyth any sute.

1576 G. Gascoigne Princelye Pleasures Kenelwoorth (1821) 2 Though haste say On, let sute obtain some stay.

1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene iii. xi. sig. Nn2 He soone resinde His former suit.

1609 J. Skene tr. Stat. David II in Regiam Majestatem 40 Gif the suet, or bruit of three baronies follow any man for reif, theift, or any other trespas.

b. Hunting. The scent or (perhaps) the quarry. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > food and drink > hunting > thing hunted or game > [noun] > scent

scentc1422

suit1579

foot scent1735

1579 H. Heron Kayes of Counsaile i. 9 And is it not a scornefull thing y^t a man should teach his Horse ye manedge & carere..or hound to follow the suite of a striken Deere.

1593 T. Lodge Phillis (Hunterian Club) 48 Like hungrie houndes that lately lost their suite.

1644 K. Digby Two Treat. i. xxxvii. 319 Our houndes that follow a suite of bloud.

a. The action of suing in a court of law; legal prosecution; (formerly also) †litigation (obsolete).See also to go to suit at Phrases 1e, at suit at Phrases 1d. [This sense perhaps arises partly from a shortening of suit of court (see quot. a1400 and compare sense 7); but it was fully developed in Anglo-Norman, e.g. a nostre sute, par autri sute (both late 13th cent. in Britton).]

ΘΚΠ

society > law > administration of justice > court proceedings or procedure > action of courts in claims or grievances > [noun] > litigation or going to law

pleadingc1275

suita1325

suing1440

persecution1466

processing1478

lawingc1485

prosecution1590

litigation1661

soliciting1709

impleading1878

a1325 Statutes of Realm (2011) v. 6 Ant ȝif a ne cometh noȝt, þanne a sullen ben iiuged ase for ateint, ant sullen ȝelde duble, þoru þe siwte of þe king, to hoem þat habbeth ihaued þene harm.

a1400 in K. W. Engeroff Untersuchung ‘Usages of Winchester’ (1914) 92 Whos paye y-maked by skore oþer by scryt oþer by sywete..and ȝif he lete seude [read lede seute], his aduersaryȝe habbe his defens op-on on riȝt of londe.

1478 Rolls of Parl.: Edward IV (Electronic ed.) Parl. Jan. 1478 §28. m. 3 That..no styward..hold plee uppon any action, atte sute of any persone.

a1513 R. Fabyan New Cronycles Eng. & Fraunce (1516) II. f. iii^v All Prysoners y^t lay in any pryson about london at the Kynges sute.

1558 Bp. T. Watson Holsome Doctr. Seuen Sacramentes xxviii. f. clxxii Grudge, hatred, and sute betwene the parties and theyr frendes.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Comedy of Errors (1623) iv. iv. 132 Whose suite is he arrested at?

1768 W. Blackstone Comm. Laws Eng. iii. 22 The redress of injuries by suit in courts.

1817 J. Mill Hist. Brit. India II. v. ii. 379 At the suit of a native, he was taken up on a charge of forgery.

2014 Yale Law & Policy Rev. 33 231 Enforcement actions may be triggered by the improper conduct of individual employees, but sanctions are likely to be levied against the entire corporation by suit or settlement.

†b. The prosecution of a cause. Also: the action of applying to be granted a writ. Obsolete. suit of the King's peace and variants: prosecution for breaching the King's peace.

ΘΚΠ

society > law > administration of justice > process, writ, warrant, or order > [noun] > writ > seeking to obtain writ

suing1440

suit1445

society > law > administration of justice > court proceedings or procedure > action of courts in claims or grievances > [noun] > litigation or going to law > prosecution of a cause

suit1445

society > law > administration of justice > court proceedings or procedure > action of courts in claims or grievances > [noun] > a lawsuit > other types of action

mort d'ancestora1325

trespass on the case1429

action of detinue1467

mortancestry1471

replevin1515

non-finding1525

nisi prius1533

faint action1542

interpleadera1558

improbationc1575

assize1577

assumpsit1586

transitory action1594

trover1594

suit of the King's peace1607

detinuea1626

quia timet1628

choke-baila1637

reprobator1672

spulyie1678

petitory action1681

proprium1695

restitution of conjugal rights1720

amicable suit1768

noxal action1774

real action1818

witness action1892

class suit1894

non-jury1897

foreclosure action1905

class action1910

derivative action1934

paternity suit1945

1445–6 Rolls of Parl.: Henry VI (Electronic ed.) Parl. Feb. 1445 §38. m. 6 That..all such pluries, capias and exigent so awarded..be anulled..and no persone..be in any wise hurt..without any sute of writte of errour.

a1525 ( Coventry Leet Bk. (1908) II. 376 What demene shuld be taken ffor the mater betwen the Cite and Will. Briscowe, And for the Costes and expenses of the suyt þerof.

a1538 T. Starkey Dial. Pole & Lupset (1989) 127 The longe sute of causys in the court at westurmasture.

1544 in I. S. Leadam Select Cases Court of Requests (1898) 96 Duryng the suete of ther case.

1563 in J. H. Burton Reg. Privy Council Scotl. (1877) 1st Ser. I. 251 Compellit to leif the soit of thair saidis caussis.

1607 J. Cowell Interpreter sig. Rrr2/2 Suyte of the Kings peace..is the persiewing of a man for breach of the K. peace, by treasons, insurrections, rebellions, or trespasses.

1681 Whole Series of All transacted in House of Peers conc. Popish Plot 125 His Majesty willed and granted that the said Letters patents and the said pardon, And also suit of his Majesties Peace..did or could belong, by reason or occasion of the premisses, or any of them.

a. A process instituted in a court of law for the recovery or protection of a right, the enforcement of a claim, or the redress of a wrong; a prosecution before a legal tribunal; = lawsuit n.See also to follow a suit at Phrases 2b.

ΘΚΠ

society > law > administration of justice > court proceedings or procedure > action of courts in claims or grievances > [noun] > a lawsuit

speechc897

mootc1225

pleadingc1275

pleac1300

actiona1325

quarrela1325

suit1348

pursuit1380

sokena1387

process1395

plead1455

pleament1480

suit in law1530

ployc1600

suit in equity1604

suit in chancery1621

lawsuit1624

instance1654

legal action1656

lis1932

1348 in C. Welch Hist. Pewterers of London (1902) I. 4 Be he punished bi theire discrecion aftir his trespasse whan he is ateint atthe sute of the goode folke of his craft.

1445–6 Rolls of Parl.: Henry VI (Electronic ed.) Parl. Feb. 1445 §38. m. 6 Many dyvers persones bi singuler vemance and nothing of right..been by dyvers suets sued.

1562 in F. J. Furnivall Child-marriages, Divorces, & Ratifications Diocese Chester (1897) 71 She comensid a sute, and sekid for a divorce to be had bie the lawe betwixe them.

1611 R. Cotgrave Dict. French & Eng. Tongues at Guerre Qui a terre, si, a guerre: Prov., He that hath soyle hath suits.

1768 W. Blackstone Comm. Laws Eng. iii. 406 The courts..will allow of amendments at any time while the suit is depending.

1888 J. Bryce Amer. Commonw. II. xliv. 154 Ordinary private law..upon which nine-tenths of the suits between man and man are founded.

2018 M. Hanna-Attisha What Eyes don't See xv. 202 He files suits on behalf of immigrant workers for wage and hour violations.

b. More fully, suit in law, suit at law, † suit of law, etc. Also with the court specified, as suit in chancery, suit in equity.

ΘΚΠ

society > law > administration of justice > court proceedings or procedure > action of courts in claims or grievances > [noun] > a lawsuit

speechc897

mootc1225

pleadingc1275

pleac1300

actiona1325

quarrela1325

suit1348

pursuit1380

sokena1387

process1395

plead1455

pleament1480

suit in law1530

ployc1600

suit in equity1604

suit in chancery1621

lawsuit1624

instance1654

legal action1656

lis1932

1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement iii. f. lxviii^v Sute at the lawe or court, sieute.

1576 A. Fleming tr. C. Plinius Novocomensis in Panoplie Epist. 252 Busily occupied in matters of suites of lawe.

1604 F. Bacon Certaine Considerations Church of Eng. sig. C3^v We see before our eyes, that one Chauncellor of England dispatcheth the suites in equitie of the whole Kingdome.

c1610–15 tr. St. Basil of Caesarea Life Holie Iulita in C. Horstmann Lives Women Saints (1886) 182 This woman had a suite in law against a principall man of the Cittie of Cæsarea.

1621 (title) The state of the suite in Chancerie, betweene Francis Verslyn..agaynst Peter Manning, Michael Palmer and theire wiues &c. defendants.

1726 Mist's Weekly Jrnl. 3 Sept. in Notes & Queries (1905) 10th Ser. 4 95/2 On Monday is to be determined a Suit of Law.

1845 J. Williams Princ. Law Real Prop. i. iii. 62 Actions at law and suits in equity.

1946 B. James in W. Murdoch & H. Drake-Brockman Austral. Short Stories (1951) 252 Threaten her with suit-at-law for wages unpaid.

2011 Rev. Econ. Stud. 78 693 Think of a suit at law, for instance: whatever is good news for one party tends to be bad news for the other.

a. The action of entreating or petitioning a person to do something; petitioning, supplication. Also: an instance of this; a petition, supplication, or entreaty; esp. a petition made to a king or other person in authority. In later use frequently poetic.Frequently in † to make suit: to make an entreaty or petition to (or unto) a person, esp. for something or to do something (obsolete).See also to follow a suit at Phrases 2b.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > request > [noun] > earnest request or entreaty > beseeching or importuning

beseechinga1350

suit1372

beggingc1380

pursuita1393

supplicationa1393

cravingc1430

entreating1525

solicitation1533

entreatance1548

precation1548

suiting1560

soliciting1570

imploration1575

importuning1582

implore1590

suing1591

treating1595

exoration1610

implorement1611

imploring1611

suppliance?1611

importunement1665

solicitancy1665

beseechmenta1680

instancing1736

suppliancy1812

beg1814

clamouring1884

opportuning1972

the mind > language > speech > request > make a request [verb (intransitive)] > to, of, or upon someone

clepec825

cryc1290

to pray (one) of a boon1393

to call on ——a1400

to seek on (also upon)a1400

to call upon ——c1405

sue1405

supplicate1417

peala1425

labour1442

to make suit1447–8

supply1489

suit1526

appeal1540

apply1554

incalla1572

invocate1582

beg1600

palaver1859

1372 in C. Brown Relig. Lyrics 14th Cent. (1924) 87 Þi moder seet Hou wo þe beet..To hire þu speke, Hire sorwe to sleke–Suet suet [emended in ed. to suet sute] wan þin herte.

a1426 in Cal. Proc. Chancery Queen Elizabeth (1827) I. Introd p. xix A suete wyche the foresaide suppliant had before yowe ayens on John Bonyngton..by vertu of a writt sub pena, for to awenswer before yowe to certeins..debates movyd betwyn thame two.

1447–8 in S. A. Moore Lett. & Papers J. Shillingford (1871) ii. 81 The sayde Mayer and Citeseyns made sute to..Maister Harry..praying hym of his gode frendship to helpe to refourme this wronge.

a1535 T. More Hist. Richard III in Wks. (1557) 58/2 This pore Lady made humble sute vnto y^e king, y^t she might be restored vnto such smal landes as [etc.].

1554–5 Act 1 & 2 Philip & Mary c. 8 in Statutes of Realm (1963) IV. i. 246 This our supplicacion directed to yo^r Majesties withe most humble sute, that it may..be exhibited to..the Lorde Cardinall Poole.

1592 T. Kyd Spanish Trag. iii. sig. G3^v The King sees me, and faine would heare my sute.

1601 Bp. W. Barlow Serm. Paules Crosse Martij 1600 2 As I neuer made sute to preach anywhere.

1608 W. Shakespeare King Lear vii. 61 This ancient ruffen..whose life I haue spar'd at sute of his gray-beard.

1657 A. Sparrow Rationale Bk. Common Prayer (new ed.) 76 When the Priest makes their suits, and they..say, Amen.

1738 J. Wesley Coll. Psalms & Hymns (new ed.) xlv. xvi Kings at his Feet shall cast their crown, And humble Suit for Mercy make.

1741 C. Middleton Hist. Life Cicero (1742) II. vi. 151 When Milo offered to drop his suit for the Consulship.

1859 Ld. Tennyson Elaine in Idylls of King 187 Lightly, her suit allow'd, she slipt away.

1871 R. W. Buchanan Drama of Kings iii. 396 Then the children of men..drank of the stream, but made suit For blessing no more than the brute.

1943 F. M. Stenton Anglo-Saxon Eng. v. 143 In 699 or 700 he brought his suit by proxy before Pope Sergius I.

2013 P. Jones Fires of Patriotism i. 1 The brief but intense period between the United States' declaration of war against Germany in early April 1917 and Germany's suit for peace in November of the following year.

†b. In extended use: earnest search for or endeavour to obtain something. Chiefly with make. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > endeavour > [noun] > attempt to obtain

purchasec1330

suitc1475

captation1523

prosecution1564

c1475 in F. J. Furnivall Early Eng. Poems & Lives Saints (1862) 140 (MED) Lord..thow are oonly my refute; To the for comfort I make my sute..Swete ihesu, miserere mei!

a1568 R. Ascham Scholemaster (1570) i. f. 26 They make great hast to cum to her: they make great sute to serue her.

1613 S. Purchas Pilgrimage vii. i. 552 Corrivall vnto..Sennacherib, in sute for the Monarchie of the world.

a1627 Sir J. Beaumont in E. Farr Sel. Poetry Reign James I (1848) 155 The fiends..Make sute to seaze him as their lawfull prey.

†5. The pursuit of an object or quest; the action of following a particular person or cause. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > will > wish or inclination > desire > aspiration or ambition > [noun] > pursuit or striving (for)

suit1400

affectingc1443

pursuit1636

pursuance1640

still hunt1843

1400 Inquisition Misc. (P.R.O.: C 145/276/14) [Stephen, prior of Launceston, and John Douna of Tavistock] weryn off þe seut and off wylle and off þe Treyson þat þe ȝeurl of Huntyngdon was attayntt þer Inne, and helpynge..ther to wyth alle her power.

a1500 (?c1378) J. Wyclif Eng. Wks. (1880) 409 Siþen it mut nedis be synne to fayle fro suynge of crist, man shulde not fayle in þis suyt for god ne for ony creature.

1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene ii. vii. sig. S2^v In derdoing armes, And honours suit.

1596 E. Spenser Second Pt. Faerie Queene v. viii. 3 Suite of his auowed quest.

a1876 C. Heavysege Saul vi. in Saul & Sel. Poems (1976) 164 To life let punishment Be limited; 'gainst none be urged the suit Of vengeance after death.

6. Behaviour by a man intended to persuade a woman to marry him; the action of seeking a woman's hand in marriage; courtship. Also: an instance of this. Now archaic.In early use frequently with make, and perhaps sometimes simply a contextual use of sense 4.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > emotion > love > courtship or wooing > [noun]

wooingc1000

wouhlechec1230

wouhlechunga1250

love work?a1300

love-druryc1300

love playc1390

suitc1475

lovemakinga1500

loveshipc1500

suiting1568

courtship1600

courting1607

suitoringa1640

amouring1675

sparking1804

sprunting1823

lovering1848

twosing1940

society > society and the community > kinship or relationship > marriage or wedlock > seeking marriage > [noun] > seeking hand in marriage

wooingc1000

wouhlechec1230

wouhlechunga1250

suitc1475

suiting1568

courtship1600

courting1607

suitoringa1640

c1475 Advice to Lovers in J. O. Halliwell Select. Minor Poems J. Lydgate (1840) 34 Now no man to me makethe ony sute!

1542 N. Udall in tr. Erasmus Apophthegmes i. f. 63^v She [sc. Penelope] had..thesame contynuall suite made vnto hir, by many ioyly ruffleyng wooers, to haue hir in mariage, she droue theim of all by this colour.

c1610–15 Life Holie Kinesburge in C. Horstmann Lives Women Saints (1886) 73 Offa receyuing that message, did moste willinglie giue ouer his suite, ceasing to molest the virgin.

a1715 Bp. G. Burnet Suppl. to Hist. Own Time (1902) ii. 480 After two years sute we were married.

1726 E. Fenton in A. Pope et al. tr. Homer Odyssey IV. xix. 164 Rebate your loves, each rival suit suspend.

1794 R. B. Sheridan Duenna (new ed.) ii. 41 Doubtless, that agreeable figure of his must have help'd his suit surprizingly.

1864 Ld. Tennyson Aylmer's Field in Enoch Arden, etc. 76 Sullen, defiant, pitying, wroth, return'd Leolin's rejected rivals from their suit.

2013 E. Cooper Raven's Shadow xxi. 225 Brooding on Ailric's suit for her hand, no doubt.

II. Feudal Law. The obligation of attending a superior's court, and related senses.

a. Attendance at a superior's court.

(a) Attendance by a tenant at the court of his or her lord. In full, suit of court. Now historical.

ΚΠ

c1325 (c1300) Chron. Robert of Gloucester (Calig.) l. 11154 Hii clupede sir Ion giffard þat siwte ssolde þer to To come oþer he ssolde in þe merci be ido.

a1475 in A. Clark Eng. Reg. Godstow Nunnery (1905) i. 42 Vpon homage, relefe, warde, and sute of courte.

1597 J. Skene De Verborum Significatione at Sok Hee quha is oblished to giue Soyte in the Court of his Over-lorde.

1607 J. Cowell Interpreter sig. Nnn4/1, at Sectis non faciendis Women that for their dower ought not to performe suite of Court.

2000 Past & Present Aug. 41 The first three clauses of the Provisions of Westminster in October 1259 limited the duty of such attendance to tenants whose obligations were specified in charters of enfeoffment, or whose ancestors had performed suit before 1230.

(b) Attendance of a person at the sheriff's court or tourn (tourn n.); attendance at the court leet (court leet n.). In full, suit real (royal, regal), (Scottish) common suit. Now historical.

ΘΚΠ

society > law > administration of justice > judicial body, assembly, or court > [noun] > feudal courts > attendance at

suit1420

suit1452

suitinga1547

1452 in W. Fraser Mem. Maxwells of Pollok (1863) I. 170 The forsaid lord sal charter hym new with ward and releif, and to weyre soyte for him ande his airis for the forsaidis landis.

1473–4 in T. Dickson Accts. Treasurer Scotl. (1877) I. 5 A new infeodacione of his landis of Barnagehane..to be haldin of the King in warde and relef and commoune soyt.

1579 Rastell's Expos. Termes Lawes (new ed.) 175 Suit riall is when men come to the shirifes tourne or leete, to which court al men shal be compelled to come to know the lawes... And it is called rial suit because of their allegeance.

1618 J. Wilkinson Treat. Statutes conc. Coroners & Sherifes ii. 77 b All manner of persons which..owe suit royall to this court Leet.

1863 H. Cox Inst. Eng. Govt. i. viii. 104 The suitors or persons owing suit in the county courts or courts-baron of the King.

2012 Eng. Hist. Rev. 127 297 He was amerced for failure to make common suit at the cellarer's court at Crowle almost continuously from 1398 to 1403.

†b. An instance of this; an act of attendance at the court of one's lord, at the sheriff's court or tourn, or at the court leet. Obsolete.See also to call the suits at Phrases 2a.

ΘΚΠ

society > law > administration of justice > judicial body, assembly, or court > [noun] > feudal courts > attendance at

suit1420

suit1452

suitinga1547

1420 in L. Morsbach Mittelengl. Originalurkunden (1923) 7 (MED) iv d. be payut for all maner sewtus, seruis, presentus, frerentus, customes falling þer-to.

c1460 in A. Clark Eng. Reg. Oseney Abbey (1907) 37 All maner sutes of Shires and Hundredes.

a1500 in J. Raine Vol. Eng. Misc. N. Counties Eng. (1890) 59 Y^e..Burgese schall make bott ij suttes by y^e ȝer' to y^e sayd cowrtt.

1508 in M. Livingstone Reg. Secreti Sigilli Regum Scotorum (1908) I. 233 Dischargis him and his saidis landis of all soyttis, comperingis in justice-aris.

1534 G. Ferrers tr. Act 52 Henry III ix in tr. Bk. Magna Carta f. 22 For makyng sutes vnto y^e courtes of great lordes.

1592 in Reg. Mag. Sig. Scot. (1892) 91/1 With thrie swtis at thrie heid schireff courtis yeirlie.

8. suit and service and variants.

a. Attendance at court and personal service due from a tenant to his or her lord (see service n.¹ 10). Also used to describe certain forms of tenure that involve this obligation. Also homage and suit, (Scottish) presence and suit, and variants.

ΘΚΠ

society > law > legal obligation > [noun] > obligations of tenants > other obligations of tenants

bridgeworkOE

bedrip1226

timber-lodec1400

suit and service1416

suling-man1440

presence and suit1504

homage and suit?a1509

sect of court1546

wood-carriage1557

suit service1579

sword-service1630

society > authority > subjection > service > feudal service > [noun] > suit and service

suit and service1416

presence and suit1504

homage and suit?a1509

sect of court1546

suit service1579

c1379 in G. D. MacRae Early Sc. Texts (1975) No. 1 I graunt..at the forsayde Alayne & his ayris be fre of vmage soyte & al seruyse of the twa plewland of Nortoun.

1416 in H. M. Flasdieck Mittelengl. Originalurkunden (1926) 58 (MED) Y..didde my sewte and seruice to sir Thomas Colpeper, to his Courte of Benecrouche, and paied my rent.

c1449 R. Pecock Repressor (1860) 299 He [sc. a priest] muste nedis comaunde and regne upon hise tenauntis, and thei muste needis obeie and do sewtis and seruicis to him.

1504 in C. Innes Liber Sancte Marie de Melros (1837) 601 That thaj aw na presence nor sute in the serref court of Hadingtoune for the said landis.

?a1509 in L. T. Smith Common-place Bk. 15th Cent. (1886) 157 They may do homage and sewte to my lord.

1654 J. Bramhall Just Vindic. Church of Eng. iv. 77 All Ecclesiasticall persons who held any possessions from the King in capite, were to do suit and service for the same as other Barons did.

1776 D. Dalrymple Ann. Scotl. I. 294 As a freeholder of Annandale, Bruce was bound to give suite and presence in the King's court held at Dumfries.

1824 W. Scott Redgauntlet III. v. 141 At a table above the rest..sat enthroned the youthful Sovereign himself..receiving the suit and homage of his subjects.

1857 I. Butt Transfer of Land 120 It was then the great Court Baron of the realm, in which the liegemen of the monarch were bound to do homage and suit.

2017 Eolas 10 34 The creation of manorial jurisdiction provided another revenue stream as tenants doing suit and service to the court-leet were liable to pay fines levied by the manorial court.

†b. figurative, with reference to actions or behaviour likened to the feudal obligation of attendance and personal service. Obsolete.

ΚΠ

1548 N. Udall in N. Udall et al. tr. Erasmus Paraphr. Newe Test. I. Acts Ep. Ded. f. i In tymes past the studyous wryters of bookes wer enforced with much highe suite and seruice to procure the fauoure and good wyll of prynces or other estates.

c1585 R. Browne Answere to Cartwright 55 Hee shoulde rather loose his righte, then doe suite and homage to a Traytour.

1589 R. Greene Menaphon sig. H For all she hath let you flie like a Hawke that hath lost hir tyre; yet you meane to follow sute and seruice, though you get but a handfull of smoake to the bargaine.

1598 B. Yong tr. J. de Montemayor Diana 33 By being fauoured in some other place, where thy sutes & seruices may be more esteemed.

1851 T. De Quincey Sketch from Childhood in Hogg's Instructor New Ser. 6 150/2 I, being a cadet of my house, owed suit and service to him who was its head.

1881 Manch. Guard. 14 Feb. 5 Like many others who have done suit and service to this city.

1902 N. Chesson Aquamarines 134 Shrew-mice come To do me suit and service dumb.

†9. A due paid in lieu of attendance at the court of a lord. Obsolete.See also suit groat n., suit silver n. at Compounds 2b.

ΘΚΠ

society > trade and finance > fees and taxes > impost, due, or tax > payment or service to feudal superior > [noun] > payment in lieu of service > in lieu of attendance at court

suit1447

suit silver1518

suit groat1555

suitor fee1582

1447–8 in J. B. Paul Registrum Magni Sigilli Scotorum (1882) II. 106/2 The said Alex..sal pay the castel-warde and the soyte, and ane mark to Jhone of Prestoune.

1523 J. Fitzherbert Bk. Surueyeng xi. f. 14^v I shall..truely do and pay the sutes, customes, rentes, and seruyces that longeth thereto.

1527 Accts. St. John's Hosp., Canterbury (Canterbury Cathedral Archives: CCA-U13/4) Paid to Hoth Court for rent sute & loke vs. iiijd.

a1563 V. Leigh Moste Profitable Sci. Surueying (1577) sig. G A Rente, or a Suite, maie bee sometymes paied out of a Mannour to a Hundred or Sheriues Tourne.

1660 Act 12 Charles II c. 24 §5 in Statutes of Realm (1963) V. 260 Any Rents certaine Herriots or Suites of Court belonging or incident to any former Tenure.

1904 Encycl. Forms & Precedents V. vi. 228 Free from incumbrances and freed and enfranchised from all customary and other fines suits heriots payments and manorial rights and services whatsoever.

10. The obligation of a tenant to grind his or her grain at a particular mill; the grinding of grain by a tenant in accordance with this obligation. Cf. sucken n.¹ 1. Now historical.

ΘΚΠ

society > law > legal obligation > [noun] > obligations of tenants > to have corn ground at particular mill

sokenc1386

sucken1423

suitc1460

suit dutyc1460

thirl1564

astriction1619

suckening1636

c1460 in A. Clark Eng. Reg. Oseney Abbey (1907) 74 (MED) Knowe ȝe all vs to haue quyte-claymed..þe Sute of þere men in Eton and Cudeslawe..þe which Sute þey had i-woned to doo of Olde to owr Mylle.

1545 in I. S. Leadam Select Cases Court of Requests (1898) 183 The complaynaunt..hath..prevely withedrawen his sute from the said milles & ground his Corne away from thence.

1591 in F. Collins Wills & Admin. Knaresborough Court Rolls (1902) I. 175 Dareley mylne, with the soken and suite there to belonginge.

1622 E. Misselden Free Trade 58 That restraint of the common liberty, which we call Suit of Mill.

1768 W. Blackstone Comm. Laws Eng. iii. 235 Such is that of doing suit to another's mill.

1903 J. Dowden Chartulary Abbey Lindores Introd. p. lxxxvi Suit and multure which the abbot claimed from tenants of the nuns on their lands of Kynhard.

2013 Agric. Hist. Rev. 61 354/2 Even at this late stage, when other lords were starting to abandon their attempts to enforce suit at mill, Hexham's lord still noted that tenants owed suit of the lord's water mill at Hexham.

†III. A uniform or livery; a sort, kind, or class.

11.

a. A uniform or livery; (also, more generally) an outfit. Chiefly in in or of (a) suit: wearing clothing of the same type, colour, etc. Also figurative. Obsolete.See also Phrases 1b(b).For use referring to a set of outer clothes intended to be worn together, see sense 24.In quot. c1400² with reference to Christ taking on human form.

ΘΚΠ

the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > [noun]

clothesc888

hattersOE

shroudc1000

weedOE

shrouda1122

clothc1175

hatteringa1200

atourc1220

back-clout?c1225

habit?c1225

clothingc1275

cleadinga1300

dubbinga1300

shroudinga1300

attirec1300

coverturec1300

suitc1325

apparel1330

buskingc1330

farec1330

harness1340

tire1340

backs1341

geara1350

apparelmentc1374

attiringa1375

vesturec1385

heelinga1387

vestmentc1386

arraya1400

graitha1400

livery1399

tirementa1400

warnementa1400

arrayment1400

parelc1400

werlec1400

raiment?a1425

robinga1450

rayc1450

implements1454

willokc1460

habiliment1470

emparelc1475

atourement1481

indumenta1513

reparel1521

wearing gear1542

revesture1548

claesc1550

case1559

attirement1566

furniture1566

investuring1566

apparelling1567

dud1567

hilback1573

wear1576

dress1586

enfolding1586

caparison1589

plight1590

address1592

ward-ware1598

garnish1600

investments1600

ditement1603

dressing1603

waith1603

thing1605

vestry1606

garb1608

outwall1608

accoutrementa1610

wearing apparel1617

coutrement1621

vestament1632

vestiment1637

equipage1645

cask1646

aguise1647

back-timbera1656

investiture1660

rigging1664

drapery1686

vest1694

plumage1707

bussingc1712

hull1718

paraphernalia1736

togs1779

body clothing1802

slough1808

toggery1812

traps1813

garniture1827

body-clothes1828

garmenture1832

costume1838

fig1839

outfit1840

vestiture1841

outer womana1845

outward man1846

vestiary1846

rag1855

drag1870

clo'1874

parapherna1876

clobber1879

threads1926

mocker1939

schmatte1959

vine1959

kit1989

the world > relative properties > relationship > uniformity > uniform or to match [phrase]

in or of (a) suitc1325

in suit of or with1389

of a suit1389

in suit with1488

the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > wearing clothing > [adverb] > in specific way

to (also into, unto) one's (also the) shirtc1300

in or of (a) suitc1325

in ragsa1350

in (also on) one's shirtc1380

in suit of or with1389

thinlya1400

in suit with1488

finely?1552

raggedly1552

smoothly1579

garish1590

briskly1592

in one's waistcoat1607

in mourning1621

in cuerpoa1640

in gala1757

airily1768

plain1808

in mufti1816

in, on one's stocking-soles1827

seedily1837

in beaver1840

back to front1869

dowdily1887

dossily1903

head-to-toe1946

sharp1951

sharply1965

understatedly1972

the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > [noun] > for specific people > for members of a body or association

suitc1325

uniform1836

harness1891

c1325 (c1300) Chron. Robert of Gloucester (Calig.) l. 3950 A þousend kniȝtes..Of noble men ycloþed in ermine echon Of o sywte.

1389 in J. T. Smith & L. T. Smith Eng. Gilds (1870) 3 Þe brethren and sustren..shul be cloþed in suyt.

c1400 (?a1300) Kyng Alisaunder (Laud) (1952) l. 182 (MED) Forþ she ferde myd her route, A þousande lefdyes of riche soute.

c1400 (c1378) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Laud 581) (1869) B. v. l. 495 God..þat..in owre sute deydest On godefryday for mannes sake.

a1475 (?1445) J. Lydgate Minor Poems (1911) i. 374 Edmund of Pounteney, now in ȝovre sute, I wold þat I were..Wheþer hit were coloure whyte, rede, or blewe.

1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry IV f. xxij^v Three other appareled in the kynges suite and clothyng.

1565 T. Stapleton Fortresse of Faith f. 92 Any protestant of what so euer cote or sute he be.

1588 W. Lambarde Eirenarcha (new ed.) iv. iv. 439 If any company of men..haue made any one generall sute of cloth..to be knowen by.

a1634 W. Austin Devotionis Augustinianæ Flamma (1635) 104 These Sisters goe all in a Suite..: They are all in Greene.

b. in or of suit (and variants): (esp. of clothes) of the same colour or material; that is uniform or matching. Also in suit of or with: uniform with; matching. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > relationship > uniformity > uniform or to match [phrase]

in or of (a) suitc1325

in suit of or with1389

of a suit1389

in suit with1488

the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > wearing clothing > [adverb] > in specific way

to (also into, unto) one's (also the) shirtc1300

in or of (a) suitc1325

in ragsa1350

in (also on) one's shirtc1380

in suit of or with1389

thinlya1400

in suit with1488

finely?1552

raggedly1552

smoothly1579

garish1590

briskly1592

in one's waistcoat1607

in mourning1621

in cuerpoa1640

in gala1757

airily1768

plain1808

in mufti1816

in, on one's stocking-soles1827

seedily1837

in beaver1840

back to front1869

dowdily1887

dossily1903

head-to-toe1946

sharp1951

sharply1965

understatedly1972

1389 in J. T. Smith & L. T. Smith Eng. Gilds (1870) 43 Alle ye bretheren and systeren han a lyuere of sute.

c1400 (?c1380) Pearl l. 1108 Alle in sute her liureȝ wasse.

c1400 (?c1390) Sir Gawain & Green Knight (1940) l. 191 Þe tayl & his toppyng twynnen of a sute.

1433 Petition in Rotuli Parl. (1767–77) IV. 477/1 And the Styward..have..a Robe in sute of the Baylyffs.

1558 in A. Feuillerat Documents Office of Revels Queen Elizabeth (1908) 45 vi payer of undersleves of the same stuff and sute.

12. A style of workmanship or design; a pattern or (occasionally) colour. Chiefly in prepositional phrases with of. Obsolete.In later use often difficult to distinguish from use referring to a set of objects (see sense 20).

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > shape > [noun]

hue971

shapec1050

form1297

casta1300

entailc1320

fashionc1320

featurec1325

tailc1325

suitc1330

figuringc1385

figure1393

makinga1398

fasurec1400

facea1402

makec1425

proportionc1425

figuration?a1475

protracture1551

physiognomy1567

set1567

portraiturea1578

imagerya1592

model1597

plasmature1610

figurature1642

scheme1655

morphosis1675

turn1675

plasma1712

mould1725

format1936

the world > existence and causation > creation > [noun] > style of creation or construction

shaft888

suitc1330

generationa1382

makinga1398

frame?1520

workmanship1578

imagerya1592

model1597

fabricaturec1600

builtc1615

fabric1644

module1649

get-up1857

fashioning1870

the world > relative properties > kind or sort > [noun] > of construction or composition

shaft888

makea1325

suitc1330

makinga1398

mark1482

inventiona1513

workmanship1578

cut1590

model1597

mould1667

fashioning1870

Mk.1921

c1330 (?c1300) Reinbrun (Auch.) in J. Zupitza Guy of Warwick (1891) 657 Postes and laces..þer were Of iaspe gentil þat was dere, Al of one soute.

c1440 (?a1400) Morte Arthure 210 (MED) There was a cheeffe buttlere..þat of þe cowpe seruede, Sexty cowpes of suyte fore þe kyng seluyn.

1525 in J. W. Clay Testamenta Eboracensia (1902) VI. 11 iiij stottes, iij of on sutie [? suite], with on browne stotte.

c1540 (?a1400) Gest Historiale Destr. Troy (2002) f. 53^v A sadill..With a bridell full bright bothe of a sewte.

1687 Kirkcudbright Test. 7 Oct. in Dict. Older Sc. Tongue at Sut(e Thrie cowrings, quherof John Howp gott ane switt of the best.

13. A state or condition; a situation. Obsolete. rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > existence and causation > existence > state or condition > [noun]

statec1225

estatec1230

farea1325

casec1325

beingc1330

degreec1330

condition1340

suita1375

stature?a1513

existence1530

affection?1543

existency1587

subsistence1597

consistence1626

subsistency1628

tone1641

consistency1690

attitude1744

situation1765

working order1784

faring1811

status1837

figure1858

a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) l. 1250 Þou seidest me ȝer-while þou schuldest me do quelle..but, sire, in þe same seute sett artow nouȝ.

a1500 in Mod. Lang. Notes (1952) 67 333 Auyse gyile, abacke dere: an hegeful of frute Makith yn euery howsholde an onthrifty sute.

14. A sort, kind, or class. Obsolete.Common in the 16th cent.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > kind or sort > [noun]

kindeOE

i-cundeOE

mannera1225

jetc1330

colour1340

hair1387

estrete1393

gendera1398

hedea1400

savourc1400

stockc1450

toucha1500

rate1509

barrel1542

suit1548

fashion1562

special1563

stamp1573

family1598

garb1600

espece1602

kidney1602

bran1610

formality1610

editiona1627

make1660

cast1673

tour1702

way1702

specie1711

tenor1729

ilk1790

genre1816

stripe1853

persuasion1855

1548 E. Gest Treat. againste Masse sig. Av It is a stelth of holye thinges, not of the basest sute..but of the holyest and chiefeste kynde.

1573 T. Tusser Fiue Hundreth Points Good Husbandry (new ed.) f. 20^v Now gather vp fruite, of euery suite.

1586 T. Bright Treat. Melancholie iv. 13 The particular nourishment containeth not so manie sutes, as the earth the nourisher of all things doth.

1593 R. Hooker Of Lawes Eccl. Politie iii. iii. 134 Touching matters belonging vnto the Church of Christ this wee conceiue, that they are not of one sute.

?a1600 (a1500) Sc. Troy Bk. (Cambr.) l. 272 in C. Horstmann Barbour's Legendensammlung (1882) II. 222 As cornys, treys, herbys and fruyttis, Throw course of kynd & sindry suyttis, To mannys delitt.

1642 D. Rogers Naaman 138 Of this sute also is the carriage of such, as upbraid God.

†IV. A group of followers, and related senses.

15.

a. A group of followers; a retinue; = suite n. 1. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

society > authority > subjection > service > servant > retainer or follower > [noun] > collective or retinue

hirdc888

douthOE

gingc1175

folkc1275

hirdfolcc1275

tail1297

meiniec1300

routc1325

suitc1325

peoplec1330

leading1382

retinuea1387

repairc1390

retenancea1393

farneta1400

to-draughta1400

sembly14..

sequelc1420

manya1425

followingc1429

affinity?1435

family1438

train1489

estatec1500

port1545

retain1548

equipage1579

suite1579

attendancy1586

attendance1607

tendancea1616

sequacesa1660

cortège1679

c1325 (c1300) Chron. Robert of Gloucester (Calig.) l. 3743 Hii of sute were Of king arthures hous.

a1425 J. Wyclif Sel. Eng. Wks. (1871) II. 225 (MED) Crist biddiþ men of his suyt þat þei shulden not have two cootis.

c1540 (?a1400) Gest Historiale Destr. Troy (2002) f. 10^v In sound forto saile hom & your sute all.

a1586 Sir P. Sidney Arcadia (1590) ii. x. sig. V1^v Had there not come in Tydeus & Telenor, with fortie or fiftie in their suit, to the defence of Plexirtus.

1612 T. Taylor Αρχὴν Ἁπάντων: Comm. Epist. Paul to Titus i. 6 They were so farre from the suit of Saints and good men, that they were vnfit companie for honest ciuill men.

1781 J. Moore View Soc. Italy (1790) I. i. 17 Till the Archduke and his suit had passed.

1799 S. T. Coleridge Let. 14 Jan. (2018) I. 202 Next but imposssible for any but married women, or in the suit of married women.

1862 G. J. Whyte-Melville Inside Bar 345 Servant?..didn't bring one; don't want a ‘shoot’ when I'm driving Crafty Kate.

1865 S. Baring-Gould Bk. Were-wolves x. 185 A numerous suit of pages, esquires, chaplains.

b. The body of witnesses in support of a plaintiff in a lawsuit. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

society > law > administration of justice > court proceedings or procedure > evidence > [noun] > a witness > witnesses for or followers of plaintiff

suit1616

1616 J. Selden Notes on Fortescue xxi. 23 in R. Mulcaster tr. J. Fortescue De Laudibus Legum Angliæ In ancient time this suit, or witnesses were examind before any other issue.

1647 N. Bacon Hist. Disc. Govt. 271 The plaintiffs sect or suit of witnesses.

1865 F. M. Nichols tr. Britton i. xxxii Let the suit be examined..by taking their acknowledgments whether they are villains to the plaintiff.

16. Offspring, progeny. Obsolete. rare.

ΘΚΠ

society > society and the community > kinship or relationship > kinsman or relation > child > [noun] > progeny or offspring

bairn-teamc885

childeOE

tudderc897

seedOE

teamOE

wastum971

offspringOE

i-cundeOE

fostera1175

i-streonc1175

strainc1175

brooda1300

begetc1300

barm-teamc1315

issuea1325

progenyc1330

fruit of the loinsa1340

bowel1382

young onec1384

suita1387

engendrurea1400

fruitinga1400

geta1400

birth?a1425

porturec1425

progenityc1450

bodyfauntc1460

generation1477

fryc1480

enfantement1483

infantment1483

blood issue1535

propagation1536

offspring1548

race1549

family?1552

increase1552

breed1574

begetting1611

sperm1641

bed1832

fruitage1850

a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1869) II. 95 Somtyme Theam is i-cleped þe sewte of bonde men [L. Theam..quandoque dicitur sequela nativorum].

17. A group of three hounds; = leash n. 2. Also: a group of mallards; cf. flight n.¹ 8a. Obsolete.One of many alleged group names found in late Middle English glossarial sources, but not otherwise substantiated.

ΘΚΠ

the world > animals > mammals > group Unguiculata or clawed mammal > family Canidae > hound > [noun] > pack of

mutec1350

packa1450

suita1450

cry1600

lady pack1828

the world > animals > birds > freshwater birds > order Anseriformes (geese, etc.) > subfamily Merginae (duck) > [noun] > member of genus Anas (miscellaneous) > anas platyrhynchos (mallard) > flock of

sord14..

suit1486

a1450 Terms Assoc. in PMLA (1936) 51 603 (MED) A sute of a lyame.

1486 Bk. St. Albans sig. fvi A Sorde or a sute of malardis.

†V. A sequence, and related senses.

18. A succession; a sequence. in suit: in succession; in a row. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > time > relative time > the future or time to come > succession or following in time > [noun] > a succession, series, or sequence

suit1406

sequencea1575

train1606

series1618

track1681

1406 in F. J. Furnivall Fifty Earliest Eng. Wills (1882) 13 Ylk man & woman of hem in sute a rynge of xl d.

c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) ii. l. 6797 (MED) Euery day þe blomys wer renewed; And þe blosmys, with many sondri swt.

1589 G. Puttenham Arte Eng. Poesie iii. xix. 165 When we make one word begin, and..lead the daunce to many verses in sute.

1625 F. Bacon Ess. (new ed.) 332 Euery Fiue and Thirtie years, The same Kinde and Sute of Years and Weathers, comes about againe.

19.

a. for suit of: on account of. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > existence and causation > causation > cause or reason > [phrase] > because of

in virtue ofa1250

by (also for) reason ofa1350

by the virtue ofa1375

by the cause ofc1405

by occasion ofc1425

for cause ofc1425

by way of1447

for suit of1451

in respect of1528

in consideration of1540

in regard of1600

in intuition to1626

by or in vigour of1636

along1680

in view of1710

1451 in E. Hobhouse Church-wardens' Accts. (1890) 94 Yn costage to Well for sowte of the churche gods yn two tymes, xviijd.

b. in suit of: in consequence of. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > existence and causation > causation > effect, result, or consequence > consequently or as a result [phrase]

unto so micklec1390

per consequencec1395

by suing?a1425

by consequent1489

by relation1565

of consequence1573

by consequence1581

occasion1634

in suit ofa1652

in consequence of1683

owing to1744

in consequence1775

in the wake of1866

a1652 I. Jones in B. Allsopp & R. A. Sayce Inigo Jones on Palladio (1970) II. ii. 71 A hard thing in seetes of this difficulty to accomodat y^e Chambers and other places.

VI. A set or series of things.For specialized use with reference to a set of clothes see branch VII.

20.

a. A number of things of the same kind intended to be used together or forming a definite set, such as tools, furniture, cutlery, jewels, etc. Now superseded by suite in most cases, except with reference to a set of sails for a ship (see sense 20b(a)); cf. suite n. 2, 3.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > relative position > arrangement or fact of being arranged > state of being gathered together > an assemblage or collection > [noun] > group > set of things to be used or made together

gang?1340

pair1351

suit1424

nest1467

cast1535

set1561

stander1578

shift1592

casea1616

set-out1806

1424 in F. J. Furnivall Fifty Earliest Eng. Wills (1882) 57 An oþer flat pece [of plate] of þe suit þat were my faders.

1577 W. Harrison Hist. Descr. Islande Brit. ii. x. f. 85^v/1, in R. Holinshed Chron. I A siluer salte, a bowle for wine..and a dussen of spoones, to furnishe vp the sute.

1622 J. Mabbe tr. M. Alemán Rogue ii. iii. v. 298 A handsome sute of chaires.

1654 E. Gayton Pleasant Notes Don Quixot iii. v. 100 A Missale, six Crucifixes, a sute of Beads.

1737 Salmon's Cy. Bldr.'s Estimator (ed. 2) 111 These [Locks] are likewise sold in Sute.

1782 T. Vaughan Fashionable Follies (new ed.) I. 145 A..complete suit of diamonds.

a1817 T. Dwight Trav. New-Eng. & N.-Y. (1821) II. 196 A suit of oars.

1845 S. Judd Margaret i. ii. 10 There were no suits of knives and forks.

2019 @amourkavia 23 June in twitter.com (accessed 1 July 2019) I want another bedroom suit so bad well hell i wanna redo a lot of stuff, I'm ready to move.

b. spec.

(a) A complete set of sails for a ship; a set of spars.

ΘΚΠ

society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > equipment of vessel > masts, rigging, or sails > sail > [noun] > suit of sails

suit1626

1626 J. Smith Accidence Young Sea-men 17 A suite of sayles.

1635 in W. Foster Court Minutes E. India Company (1907) 114 [To make new sails for his ship, she having only one new] suyte.

1748 B. Robins & R. Walter Voy. round World by Anson ii. ii. 135 With all the..remnants of old sails that could be mustered, we could only make up one compleat suit.

1851 R. Kipping Sails & Sail-making (ed. 2) 91 Making a suit of Sails for a Barque of 300 Tons.

1912 J. Masefield Dauber iv. v, in Eng. Rev. Oct. 365 He had once worked aloft, Shifting her suits one summer afternoon.

2018 @InfoIv 12 Jan. in twitter.com (accessed 1 July 2019) London International Boat Show—Excel Gipsy Moth receives a new suit of sails for the 2018 season.

†(b) A set of musical pieces, artworks, etc. Cf. suite n. 3a. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > the arts > music > piece of music > type of piece > [noun] > exercise or study > set of

suit1676

suite1676

1676 T. Mace Musick's Monument 120 I will now set you a Sett, or a Suit of Lessons..which may be of any Number..yet commonly are about Half a Dozen.

1682 London Gaz. No. 1726/4 A Suit of Vocal and Instrumental Musick from the Odeum or Musick Gallery.

?1725 J. Lœillet (title) Six suits of lessons for the harpsichord or spinnet.

1779 J. Moore View Society & Manners France (1789) I. xxxviii. 330 The most admired of all Holben's works is a suit of small pieces.

†(c) Criminals' slang. A gold watch, usually with its accessories (as seals, case, etc.). Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > time > instruments for measuring time > watch > [noun] > particular types of watch

German watch1611

larum watch1619

clock-watch1625

minute watch1660

pendulum watch1664

watch1666

alarm watch1669

finger watch1679

string-watch1686

scout1688

balance-watch1690

hour-watch1697

warming-pan1699

minute pendulum watch1705

jewel watch1711

suit1718

repeater1725

Tompion1727

pendulum spring1728

second-watch1755

Geneva watch1756

cylinder-watch1765

watch-paper1777

ring watch1788

verge watch1792

watch lamp1823

hack1827

bull's-eye1833

vertical watch1838

quarter-repeater1840

turnip1840

hunting-watch1843

minute repeater1843

hunter1851

job watch1851

Geneva1852

watch-lining1856

touch watch1860

musical watch1864

lever1865

neep1866

verge1871

independent seconds watch1875

stem-winder1875

demi-hunter1884

fob-watch1884

three-quarter plate1884

wrist-watch1897

turnip-watch1898

sedan-chair watch1904

Rolex1922

Tank watch1923

strap watch1926

chatelaine watch1936

sedan clock1950

quartz watch1969

pulsar1970

1718 C. Hitchin Regulator 13 They [sc. pickpockets] greatly benefit; either by a Suit, alias Gold-watch,..or by a Wedge Lobb, alias Gold or Silver Snuff-Box.

1839 W. H. Ainsworth Jack Sheppard II. ii. xiv. 40 A fence, or receiver, bargaining with a..pickpocket, for a suit,—or, to speak in more intelligible language, a watch and seals.

†(d) A suite of rooms. Cf. suite n. 3b(a). Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > parts of building > room > suite of rooms > [noun]

wonesc1325

chambers1598

suite1716

suit1721

sweep1751

garden suite1875

unit1917

1721 A. Pope in tr. Homer Iliad (ed. 2) VI. Index Arts & Sci. at Architecture Architecture of a tent, with a suit [1720 Suite] of apartments within one another.

1741 W. Warburton Divine Legation Moses II. 280 A magnificent Palace..with all its Suits of Apartments.

1789 H. L. Piozzi Observ. Journey France I. 283 The apartments..run in suits like Wanstead house in Essex.

1846 C. Dickens Dombey & Son (1848) iii. 16 A whole suit of drawing-rooms.

1858 Eng. Cycl. Biogr. VI. at Usher He took up his residence in a suit of apartments provided for him in the inn.

(e) U.S. The whole complement of hair on a person's head and face. Now rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > life > the body > hair > [noun]

hairc1000

wire1576

strummel1725

crowning glory1780

suit1803

floss1846

moss1847

1803 M. Lewis Jrnl. 23 Nov. in Jrnls. Lewis & Clark Exped. (1986) II. 107 He is remarkable for having once had a remarkable suit of hair; he was very cheerfull.

1845 S. Judd Margaret ii. i. 216 A suit of enormous black whiskers.

1869 A. J. Evans Vashti xxxiii. 451 Leaving a few lines written in pencil on a handkerchief, in which she had wrapped her superb suit of hair.

1893 ‘M. Twain’ Pudd'nhead Wilson ii, in Cent. Mag. Dec. 236/2 She had a heavy suit of fine soft hair, which was also brown.

1913 National Nurserymen Apr. 142/2 How in the ‘Sam Hill’ would they go about fumigating that luxuriant suit of whiskers of A. Willis, for instance without killing him?

1969 Edwardsville (Illinois) Intelligencer 24 Oct. 7/8 Boy, I don't want to see you with that full suit of hair down on your scapula when I get home from work tomorrow.

†(f) The quantity of biscuits or (less commonly) bread baked in the oven in one batch. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > food and drink > food > dishes and prepared food > biscuit > [noun] > batch of biscuits

suit1833

1833 Mechanic's Mag. 6 Apr. 133 Each batch of the dough thus rudely mixed weighs 388 pounds, and forms eventually two suits and a half of bread, weighing 250 pounds, or in other words, 1,250 biscuits, each suit or batch being 100 pounds in weight.

1845 Encycl. Metrop. VIII. 802/2 The quantity baked each time, which is called a suit, is about 112 pounds weight before being placed in the oven.

1854 G. Read Biscuit Baker's Assist. (ed. 2) i. 15 An old practice of setting a suit of biscuits, called ‘chuck and shove’, was at one time much in vogue.

†21. A row or series of trees. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > plants > by growth or development > defined by habit > tree or woody plant > wood or assemblage of trees or shrubs > [noun] > belt or line of trees

suitc1450

neck of the woods1780

droke1822

tree-line1893

fringing forest1903

gallery forest1920

tree-belt1962

c1450 (?a1405) J. Lydgate Complaint Black Knight (Fairf.) l. 82 in Minor Poems (1934) ii. 386 The sute of trees a-bout[e] compassyng Her shadowe cast.

22. Each of the four sets (distinguished by their marks, esp. as spades, clubs, hearts, or diamonds) into which a pack of playing cards is divided. Also: a player's (esp. strong) holding in one such set at one time.long suit, major suit, strong suit, etc.: see the first element. See also to follow suit at Phrases 2c.

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > card game > card or cards > [noun] > suit

suit1563

strong suit1742

side suit1883

1563 J. Foxe Actes & Monuments 1304/1 I purpose agayne to deale vnto you an other card, almost of the same sute.

1622 H. Peacham Compl. Gentleman vii. 65 I haue seene French Cards to play withall, the foure suites changed into Maps of seuerall Countries.

1742 E. Hoyle Short Treat. Game Whist 12 You need seldom return your Partner's Lead, if you have good Suits of your own to play.

1755 E. Young Centaur iii. 144 If there are no Fools to be taken in, he makes a pretty good hand of it with a Knave of the right suit.

1876 Encycl. Brit. V. 100/1 A pack of tarots consists of seventy-eight cards, four suits of numeral cards and twenty-two emblematic cards.

1876 A. Campbell-Walker Correct Card Gloss. p. xiii Beginning with the lowest card but one of the suit you lead originally, if it contains more than four cards.

1955 A. Sheinwold Bridge Play for Beginners v. 147 They weren't trying to establish the whole suit, as they would be at no-trumps; they were just trying to develop one trick in the suit.

2011 Tel. Herald (Dubuque, Iowa) (Nexis) 24 Apr. e1 Players evaluate the cards in their hands, looking for cards of the same suit as the card in the center.

VII. A set of clothes, etc., intended to be worn together. Cf. sense 11.

23. A set of church vestments, esp. chasuble and dalmatics, cope, etc., of the same colour and material. More fully, suit of vestments.In quot. 1433, vestmentes probably shows a noun complement, with sewte vestmentes hence equivalent to ‘suit of vestments’.

ΘΚΠ

society > faith > artefacts > vestments > [noun] > set of

vestmenta1400

suit1433

1433 Bridgewater Borough Munim. 12 (MED) Item, for reparyng of þe grene sewte vestmentes.

1444 Will in Publ. Somerset Rec. Soc. (1903) 19 340 (MED) Y wol ther be a blak sywete of vestementes yeffyn.

1558 in J. W. Clay North Country Wills (1912) II. 6 My suyte of red vestementes.

a1660 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1645 (1955) II. 298 One Priestly Cope with the whole suite.

c1716 in J. O. Payne Rec. Eng. Catholics of 1715 (1889) 105 Vestment suites 12, albs 8, amices 10.

1874 J. T. Micklethwaite Mod. Parish Churches 163 So that each suit of vestments may have its own drawer.

2016 Stud. Philol. 113 292 The suit of vestments given by Tregonwell as a gift may illustrate his ‘willingness to allow a useful item to remain at St. Petroc's Church.’

24. A set of outer clothes intended to be worn together.

a. A set of men's or boys' outer clothes intended to be worn together. Now usually: a jacket and trousers (and sometimes also a waistcoat) of the same material, worn esp. in an office or for formal occasions.business suit, lounge suit, etc.: see the first element.Formerly often more fully suit of clothes, suit of apparel.

ΘΚΠ

the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > set or suit of clothes > [noun]

habita1420

standc1450

suitc1475

sluch1582

standard1631

rig-out1824

outfit1840

suiting1863

shape1886

rig-up1896

bag of fruit1924

ensemble1927

whistle and flute1931

vine1932

drape1945

the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > set or suit of clothes > [noun] > for specific people > for men or boys

suitc1475

c1475 (a1400) Sir Amadace (Taylor) in J. Robson Three Early Eng. Metrical Romances (1842) 50 (MED) Say him my sute is quite.

1552–3 in A. Feuillerat Documents Office of Revels Edward VI (1914) 89 Five suetes of apparrell.

1642 in Declar. conc. Rebell. Ireland (1643) 29 The six hundred suits of clothes were for the Souldiers in Ireland.

1683 A. Wood Life & Times (1894) III. 74 To Mr. Spencer the tayler for turning and altering my gray suite..14s.

1738 Gentleman's Mag. Jan. 4/1 One that..doth not put off his Religion with his Sunday's Suit.

1840 R. H. Dana Two Years before Mast x. 79 We had on oil-cloth suits and south-wester caps.

1892 A. C. Gunter Miss Dividends (1893) 93 His light travelling suit.

1932 G. Greene Stamboul Train i. i. 7 He..required no longer..his suit from Savile Row..to hearten him.

2017 E. Batuman Idiot i. 13 He was..clean-cut, well-spoken, the type who didn't mind wearing a suit or talking to his parents' friends.

b. A set of women's outer clothes intended to be worn at one time. Now usually: a smart skirt or pair of trousers with a matching jacket, worn esp. in an office or for formal occasions.pantsuit, trouser suit: see the first element.Formerly often more fully suit of clothes, suit of apparel.

ΘΚΠ

the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > set or suit of clothes > [noun] > for specific people > for women

suit1647

1647 in M. Cash Devon Inventories 16th & 17th Cent. (1966) 94 In the Chamber 3 Sutes of womans apparell..Two Cloakes for a man.

1761 Brit. Mag. 2 444 A suit of cloaths is weaving for a lady of quality, which will amount to 36 l. per yard.

1778 F. Burney Evelina I. x. 32 They have promised me a compleat suit of linen against the evening.

1847 W. M. Thackeray Vanity Fair (1848) xiv. 118 Her smartest evening suit.

1913 Play Pictorial No. 132. p. vi/3 A great variety of linen suits and frocks in exclusive styles.

1999 T. Lott White City Blue (2000) 63 A woman in a black two-piece suit sitting at the next table..looks across at him coldly.

c. slang (originally U.S.). A person who wears a business suit at work; a business executive. Now frequently depreciative.Quot. 1963 shows contextual use of metonymy, rather than evidence for established use in this sense.

ΘΚΠ

society > occupation and work > worker > workers according to type of work > non-manual worker > businessman > [noun]

man of business1640

homme d'affaires1717

businessman1803

businessperson1834

operator1838

towkay1854

grey suit1969

pinstripe1970

suit1977

pin-striper1979

1963 J. Breslin in N.Y. Herald Tribune 12 June 29/1 George turned and took a man in an expensive gray suit by the elbow and guided him toward the grill room. The gray suit looked like he had a lot of money.]

1977 Syracuse (N.Y.) Herald-Amer. 12 June (Stars section) 41 m/2 He [sc. Robert Blake]..tells [Dan] Rather that if the network ‘suits’ (i.e. executives) don’t like the way he’s doing the show, they can ‘take me off the air’.

1979 T. Sullivan Glitter St. (1981) vi. 32 McBride was an exception to the usual ‘suits’ at the Bureau.

1987 TV Week (Melbourne) 23 May 4/1 A kid..eager to propel himself out of the mail-room, where he has a menial job, into the executive ranks of those who are called ‘suits’.

2014 T. McCulloch Stillman 11 The suits went into full-spectrum denial and spooked the union into balloting for a one-day stoppage to get them round the table.

25. A complete set of pieces of armour for covering the whole body. Chiefly in suit of armour.

ΘΚΠ

society > armed hostility > military equipment > armour > [noun] > suit of armour

armoura1425

furniture1569

suit?1586

panopliaa1612

panoplya1637

?1586 R. P. tr. D. Ortúñez de Calahorra Third Pt. First Bk. Mirrour of Knighthood xiii. f. 56 The Gentlewoman did straight waies open the coffer that the sauage brought in, & tooke out thereof a sute of armour all red.

a1798 T. Pennant Tour on Continent (1948) 169 In the arsenal are shewed several rich suits of armour.

1821 W. Scott Kenilworth III. xiv. 277 Their suits of leathern and of paper armour.

1859 Ld. Tennyson Enid in Idylls of King 50 The three gay suits of armour.

1880 B. Disraeli Endymion II. xxiii. 237 Prince Florestan, in a suit of blue damascened armour.

1956 Slavonic & East European Rev. 34 307 A suit of armour, helmet, armlet, cuisse, and gauntlet cost about 8 grzywny at the very least.

2013 D. Miller in New Writing Scotl. 31 181 Her first husband had committed suicide by throwing himself into a river weighed down by a suit of medieval armour.

26.

a. Extended, figurative, and allusive uses of sense 24: something that is regarded as resembling a set of outer clothes in providing (what is conceptualized as) the outer covering of something else.birthday suit: see the first element.

ΚΠ

1597 M. Drayton Englands Heroicall Epist. f. 11 ^v In her masking sute, the spangled skie, Come forth to bride it in her reuelrie.

1607 S. Rowlands Diogines Lanthorne 33 A gallant groue, That wore greene Sommers sute.

1695 J. Collier Misc. upon Moral Subj. 100 Like Cloath ill made, he looks better in the Shop, than he wears in the Suit.

1699 B. E. New Dict. Canting Crew Suit and Cloak, good store of Brandy or any agreable Liquor, let down Gutter-lane.

1804 J. Grahame Sabbath 29 The redbreast's sober suit.

1858 W. Arnot Laws from Heaven 2nd Ser. xlix. 403 If honour be your clothing, the suit will last a life-time.

2011 @FLUDtalkz 6 Feb. in twitter.com (accessed 20 July 2019) I look fresh in the suit i was born in/ says ur mom and all my ex girlfriends.

†b. Botany. A disc floret in a composite flower. Obsolete. rare.In origin a figurative use of sense 24: see quot. 1672.

ΚΠ

1672 N. Grew Anat. Veg. v. 143 The several Thrums or rather Suits, whereof the Attire is made up,..are never consistent of more than one, sometimes of two, and for the most part of three pieces (for which I call them Suits).

1746 G. Adams Micrographia Illustrata xxxix. 222 Figure 535, represents one Suit of Chrysanthemum-Creet, consisting also of three Pieces, of which there are about 80 in one Flower.

27. A garment or set of clothes (such as a spacesuit, wetsuit, etc.) designed for a particular activity or occupation. Frequently with distinguishing word.bathing suit, jumpsuit, etc.: see the first element.

ΘΚΠ

the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > [noun] > for specific purpose > swimming or bathing

bathing-dress1774

bathing-costume?a1832

costume1855

suit1864

bathing-suit1873

cossie1926

swimmer1929

togs1930

Speedo1933

swimsuit1934

bathers1945

bikini1948

bikini1957

monokini1964

tankini1985

burkini2002

the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > set or suit of clothes > [noun] > for specific purpose

sables1603

procation1650

business suit1854

frock-dress1854

suit1864

smoking-suit1898

rain suit1900

beach-pyjamas1928

safari kit1928

safari suit1935

1864 Southington (Connecticut) Mirror 16 Sept. Here the bather is furnished with a suit of bathing clothes accompanied with a ticket with a No. on it corresponding with the No. of the house assigned.

1883 L. Troubridge Life amongst Troubridges (1966) 165 Walked along..meaning to bathe... Ran down in our suits.

1905 Oakland (Calif.) Tribune 17 May 3/7 (advt.) Mothers Don't Worry... Get your little ones a romper suit.

1968 Awake! 22 Sept. 30/2 The suit will be made to protect the astronaut..from tiny particles known as micrometeoroids.

1991 New Yorker 13 May 33/3 He wallowed to shore, stood up on the beach, unzipped his dry suit, and stepped out of it.

2011 Gazette (Montreal) (Nexis) 11 June h4 A Formula One driver..will be covered in four layers of fireproof clothing, which, combined with the heat emanating from his car and the exterior conditions can raise the temperatures to 50C inside his suit.

Phrases

P1. Phrases in which suit is the object of a preposition.

a. in suit.

†(a) Of a person: being prosecuted. Cf. Phrases 1a(d)(i). Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

society > law > administration of justice > court proceedings or procedure > action of courts in claims or grievances > [phrase] > being sued

in suit1495

1495 Rolls of Parl.: Henry VII (Electronic ed.) Parl. Oct. 1495 §55. m. 31 That the seid shirefs and undershirefs and shire clerkis make or cause to be made a sufficient precepte to the baillifs of the hundredes to attach, sommone or warne the defendauntes that ar so in suyte to appere and answere to the seid playntes.

1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry VIII f. j The kynges grace..pardoned all suche persones, as was then in suite.

†(b) Engaged in a legal prosecution or lawsuit. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

society > law > administration of justice > court proceedings or procedure > action of courts in claims or grievances > [phrase] > engaged in litigation

in suita1513

at suit1688

a1513 R. Fabyan New Cronycles Eng. & Fraunce (1516) II. f. xxvii Atwene the Londoners and the Abbot of the holy Crosse of Waltham, the whiche hadde bene in suyte many yerys before.

1598 R. Bernard tr. Terence Andria iv. v, in Terence in Eng. 86 He is alwaies in sute with some man. He is neuer out of the court.

a1677 I. Barrow Serm. Several Occasions (1678) 212 He that doth not wave the prosecution of his cause..is deemed still to be in suit.

1688 R. Holme Acad. Armory (1905) iii. xv. 23/2 A docket, the catalogue of the person[s] in suite one with another.

(c) Of a matter: that is sub judice or in dispute.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > insecure knowledge, uncertainty > questionable state or quality > in dispute, in question [phrase]

at large1435

in suspensea1513

in issue1533

in suita1538

sub lite1766

at issue1768

society > law > administration of justice > court proceedings or procedure > action of courts in claims or grievances > [phrase] > that is subject of legal action

in variance1461

in suita1538

in litigation1856

a1538 T. Starkey Dial. Pole & Lupset (1989) 79 I see mennys materys hange in sute ii iij or iiij yere & more.

1559 J. Aylmer Harborowe sig. G1^v To put that out of doubte which was in sute.

1664 Comenius' Janua Ling. 656 A third man must needs come in (between) to part the fray (to take up the matter in sute).

1999 Independent 3 Feb. ii. 7/5 In an action for infringement of a patent, the court would not automatically grant a wide injunction to restrain the defendant from infringing the patent in suit, but might only grant more restricted relief.

†(d) to put in suit.

(i) To prosecute (a person); to take legal action against. Also to have in suit. Cf. Phrases 1a(a). Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

society > law > administration of justice > court proceedings or procedure > action of courts in claims or grievances > carry on or institute (an action) [verb (transitive)] > sue or institute action against

pleada1325

implead1387

follow1389

pursue1454

process1493

to put in suit1495

to call (a person) unto the law?a1513

sue1526

suit1560

prosecute1579

to fetch a person over the hips1587

trounce1638

law1647

prosecute1656

action1734

to fetch law of1832

court1847

chicane1865

actionize1871

run1891

1495 Rolls of Parl.: Henry VII (Electronic ed.) Parl. Oct. 1495 §55. m. 31 The same parties so putte in sute have noe knowlege of any suche suyte had ageyne theym.

1544 in I. S. Leadam Select Cases Court of Requests (1898) 79 For the which Olyuer Seynt John Esquyer hayth Stokeley in sewt at this present tyme.

1579 L. Tomson tr. J. Calvin Serm. Epist. S. Paule to Timothie & Titus 223/1 We shall not..want an aduersarie to accuse us, we shall lacke no Eschequer man to put us in shute.

1638 T. Heywood Wise Woman iii. i If they put mee in suite,..they are poore, and cannot follow it.

(ii) To put (a legal instrument) in force in a court of law. Also: to set the law in motion concerning (a matter). Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

society > law > administration of justice > process, writ, warrant, or order > [verb (transitive)] > apply for or enforce legal process

suea1325

to sue out (also forth)?c1425

suit1504

to put in suit1579

1579 Rastell's Expos. Termes Lawes (new ed.) f. 25 If he haue aliened before the obligation be put in suite, hee is discharged.

c1618 in H. Elsing Notes Deb. House of Lords (1968) App. 140 The said S^r Giles putt the said bonds in suite in the Exchequer.

a1680 S. Charnock Several Disc. Existence of God (1682) 825 Who hath laid by his Bond so many years, without putting it in suit against us.

1769 H. Brooke Fool of Quality IV. xvii. 220 I will have that matter put directly in suit, and, as soon as it is recovered, it shall be laid out on a commission for your son.

1842 H. J. Stephen New Comm. Laws Eng. II. 103 The executor..of the donor..bound,..to put the instrument in suit, for the benefit of the donee.

b. in suit with.

†(a) In company with. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

society > society and the community > social relations > association, fellowship, or companionship > a company or body of persons > [adverb]

commonlyc1330

in companya1393

in handa1400

in suit withc1440

along1600

in consort1611

socially1621

in the swim with1885

in tow (with)1907

c1440 (?a1400) Morte Arthure l. 3931 (MED) Seuen score knyghtes In soyte with theire souerayne vnsownde are beleuede.

c1450 (?a1400) Wars Alexander (Ashm.) l. 3336 Þe sete þare him-selfe satte in soyte with þe croune.

†(b) In the same clothing, livery, or uniform as. Cf. out of suits with at Phrases 1c. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > relationship > uniformity > uniform or to match [phrase]

in or of (a) suitc1325

in suit of or with1389

of a suit1389

in suit with1488

the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > wearing clothing > [adverb] > in specific way

to (also into, unto) one's (also the) shirtc1300

in or of (a) suitc1325

in ragsa1350

in (also on) one's shirtc1380

in suit of or with1389

thinlya1400

in suit with1488

finely?1552

raggedly1552

smoothly1579

garish1590

briskly1592

in one's waistcoat1607

in mourning1621

in cuerpoa1640

in gala1757

airily1768

plain1808

in mufti1816

in, on one's stocking-soles1827

seedily1837

in beaver1840

back to front1869

dowdily1887

dossily1903

head-to-toe1946

sharp1951

sharply1965

understatedly1972

1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) ix. l. 421 He gert graith him in soit with his awin men.

c1550 Clariodus (1830) ii. 1685 My frindis trest and deire, ȝe do me now the plesour I require, That ȝe wald gounis weir in suit with me.

(c) In agreement or harmony with; consistent with. Cf. of a suit with at Phrases 1f.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > order > agreement, harmony, or congruity > in agreement or harmony (with) [phrase]

in onea1400

according1523

in unison1604

of a piece1607

in concert1618

in consort1634

in tone1647

at unison1661

of a piece with1665

true1735

in suit with1797

in harmony1816

of a suit with1886

in tune1887

in key1919

tuned in1958

all-of-a-piece1960

1797 A. M. Bennett Beggar Girl II. ix. 146 A Cerberus in human form, whose manual strength was in suite with the ferocity of his manners.

1806 T. Jefferson Let. 4 May in Memoirs, Corr., & Private Papers (1829) IV. 56 The legislature had sanctioned that idea... It seemed, therefore, that the Governor should be in suit with them.

2014 Hispania 97 563 Beatriz also suffers from ‘sexualidad exacerbada hasta la locura’..a condition that the protagonist selfishly monopolizes in suit with his customary treatment of women, but this time it results in an unplanned pregnancy.

c. out of suits with: out of favour with. Now rare.Perhaps arising as a figurative extension of a literal use meaning ‘not in the uniform or livery of’ (cf. Phrases 1b(b)), but such use is apparently unattested. In later use apparently only occurring in echoes of Shakespeare's use in quot. a1616, in the phrase out of suits with fortune.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > disadvantage > disadvantageously [phrase] > not favoured by

out of suits witha1616

a1616 W. Shakespeare As you like It (1623) i. ii. 235 One out of suites with fortune.

1825 J. Boaden Mem. J. P. Kemble II. 342 He escapes from a gaol in India; and on his return to England, being out of suits with fortune, is arrested at the suit of a tailor.

1966 Times of India 5 Sept. 8 It [sc. a Tamil play] is about a young man out of suits with fortune and dependent on the mercies of others, caught in varying conspiracies of circumstances.

†d. at suit: at law, engaged in litigation. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

society > law > administration of justice > court proceedings or procedure > action of courts in claims or grievances > [phrase] > engaged in litigation

in suita1513

at suit1688

1688 R. Holme Acad. Armory (1905) iii. xix. 173/2 If..the parties were at suite in the ciuill courts of justice.

1797 R. Cumberland False Impressions v. 64 Our families have been at suit for years, and law will cut asunder closer ties than those existing between her and me.

e. to go to suit: to go to law.

ΘΚΠ

society > law > administration of justice > court proceedings or procedure > action of courts in claims or grievances > go to law or litigate [verb (intransitive)]

pursue1389

suea1422

pleada1425

proceed1425

pleac1450

to wage one's (or the) law1455

to go to (the) law?a1513

to put at ——1534

to prosecute the law against (also upon)1535

law?a1550

to follow a suit1571

prosecute1611

to go to suit1690

litigate1726

1690 W. Walker Idiomatologia Anglo-Lat. 455 I haue a great mind to go to suit.

1978 Amer. Bar Found. Res. Jrnl. 3 556 If the state's attorney decides that the delinquent amount warrants legal action, the case will go to suit and the delinquent taxpayer receives his court summons.

†f. of a suit with: of a piece with; of the same quality or character as. Cf. Phrases 1b(c). Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > order > agreement, harmony, or congruity > in agreement or harmony (with) [phrase]

in onea1400

according1523

in unison1604

of a piece1607

in concert1618

in consort1634

in tone1647

at unison1661

of a piece with1665

true1735

in suit with1797

in harmony1816

of a suit with1886

in tune1887

in key1919

tuned in1958

all-of-a-piece1960

1886 Sat. Rev. 18 Sept. 392/1 The odd coincidences which group themselves round Swift's masterpiece are of a suit with its own extraordinary contents.

1900 T. Hardy Enter Dragoon in Harper's Mag. Dec. 33/1 A life whose incidents were precisely of a suit with those which had preceded the soldier's return.

P2. Phrases in which suit is the object of a verb.

†a. Scottish. to call the suits: to call out the names of those who were obliged to give suit at a court. Obsolete.

ΚΠ

c1430 Acts Parl. Scotl. (1844) I. 343/2 Fyrst call the soytoure, syne rede the justice powere, syne fens the courtis, than tak the dempstare and gare him be suorne, syne call the soytis agane, ande jlka man twys, and jlka lard ande his soyt, gif ony be absent amercy the absent [etc.].

1459 in A. Laing Lindores Abbey (1876) xvi. 158 Ye quhylk day ye soytts callit ye curt affirmyt ye absens ar patent.

1575 J. Rolland Treat. Court Venus iii. f. 36 Sutis was callit ilk ane in thair estait. Cheisit ane assyis.

c1600 R. Lindsay Hist. & Cron. Scotl. (1899) II. 252 The regent causit feild the parliament and call the suittis.

1609 J. Skene tr. Crimes in Regiam Majestatem ix. xxviii. 168 b The soytes suld be first called, with their Lords, and maisters.

†b. to follow a suit: to prosecute a legal action. Also figurative. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

society > law > administration of justice > court proceedings or procedure > action of courts in claims or grievances > go to law or litigate [verb (intransitive)]

pursue1389

suea1422

pleada1425

proceed1425

pleac1450

to wage one's (or the) law1455

to go to (the) law?a1513

to put at ——1534

to prosecute the law against (also upon)1535

law?a1550

to follow a suit1571

prosecute1611

to go to suit1690

litigate1726

1571 Dict. French & Eng. sig. Ee.iij/1 Soliciter vn proces, to followe a sute.

1577 H. I. tr. H. Bullinger 50 Godlie Serm. II. iv. vii. sig. III.iiij^v/2 That he [sc. Jesus] should alwaies appeare there in the presence of God, to followe all our suites faithfully.

a1624 Bp. M. Smith Serm. (1632) 68 The Law containeth matter of inditement against vs, the Deuill followeth the suite.

1631 in S. R. Gardiner Rep. Cases Star Chamber & High Comm. (1886) 187 That they would graunt her alimonie and charges to follow the suit against him.

1732 Treat. Feme Coverts 79 Where the Wife comes in Aid of her Husband to follow the Suit.

c. to follow suit.

(a) In various card games: to play a card of the same suit as the leading card. Formerly also †to follow in suit.In quot. 1643 with the card personified.

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > card game > play at cards [verb (intransitive)] > actions or tactics

pass1599

pluck1606

pulla1625

to play high1640

to follow suit1643

to play at forsat1674

lead1677

overdrawc1805

stand1813

retract1823

underplay1850

to hold up1879

to throw in one's hand1893

build1901

build-down1983

1643 Bloody Game at Cards 5 This being whispered into the eares of the Spade-men, they all began to follow Suit in a mutinous manner, to set forth many thousand Spade-men against the King of Hearts.

1680 C. Cotton Compl. Gamester (ed. 2) 61 The elder begins and younger follows in suit as at Whisk.

1788 J. Beaufort Hoyle's Games Impr. 15 Having but two or three small trumps, he should never force his partner to trump, if he finds he cannot follow suit.

1849 Chambers's Information for People (new ed.) II. 663/2 If a person happens not to follow suite, or trump a suite.

1889 L. P. Hale Fagots for Fireside 148 As in whist, the player next the dealer leads a card, which must be followed in suit by the other players.

2005 B. Rigal Card Games for Dummies (ed. 2) 138 Cards rank in the standard order, with aces high, and you have to follow suit..if you can.

(b) figurative. To do the same thing as another.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > relationship > imitation > imitate [verb (intransitive)] > follow an example

borrow?c1225

to walk in (or tread) a person's stepsa1240

to take example from (also by, at, of)c1405

to dance to or after (a person's) pipe, whistle1546

patrizate1623

patrizizea1642

to follow suit1747

to take a leaf out of a person's book1809

pattern1820

1747 J. Fish Love to Christ 36 People should first look to the Chief Shepherd, and follow suit by daily earnest Prayer.

1851 H. Melville Moby-Dick v. 32 I quickly followed suit, and descending into the bar-room accosted the grinning landlord.

1859 C. Dickens Tale of Two Cities i. ii. 4 The three other horses followed suit.

1885 W. E. Norris Adrian Vidal xvi The ‘Monday Review’ happened to be the first to notice ‘Two Lovers’; but other journals speedily followed suit.

1958 Life 14 Apr. 19/2 One major mail order firm's summer catalogue showed price reductions that average 13% and the competitors would have to follow suit.

2018 A. Stein Unbound Introd. 19 In May 2014, Medicare lifted its ban on covering gender surgeries, and federal employees' insurance plans quickly followed suit.

†d. to follow suit with: to do the same as. Cf. Phrases 2c(b). Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > relationship > imitation > imitate [verb (transitive)] > follow advice, example, etc.

followOE

counterfeitc1405

to shoot atc1407

ensue1430

enfollowc1449

to follow suit with1655

to follow the lead of1863

1655 T. Fuller Church-hist. Brit. ii. 152 Though men had Surnames, yet their Sons did not, as I may say, follow suit with their Fathers.

a1661 T. Fuller Worthies (1662) London 205 Many Clergy-men,..born in this City, did not follow suit with others of their Coat.

Compounds

C1.

a. General use as a modifier (in sense 24), as suit jacket, suit material, etc.

ΚΠ

1904 Ladies' Home Jrnl. Mar. 58/1 It is better to have a very limited amount of ornamentation if you wish to avoid the coat having the appearance of a suit jacket.

1967 Punch 13 Sept. 388/1 Unfortunately the police caught him with several bales of uncouponed suit material.

1972 National Observer (U.S.) 27 May 1/4 Wallace removed his suit coat, handed it to an aide, and moved forward to greet well-wishers.

2004 A. Hollinghurst Line of Beauty ix. 236 He..changed his shirt, put in cufflinks, tied a tie and pulled on his suit trousers.

b. General use as a modifier (in sense 22), as in suit declaration, suit game, etc. In bridge, frequently as opposed to no trumps (see no trumps n.).

ΚΠ

1901 C. J. Melrose Bridge Whist 93 In a suit declaration the trick-taking value of the cards are largely modified by the distribution of the trumps.

1905 W. Dalton in Saturday Rev. 20 May 664/1 There are two distinct games at bridge, the No Trump game and the suit game.

1907 Westm. Gaz. 18 May 14/1 As to a suit call, the original lead must never be from a suit that contains a probable trick.

1927 Observer 13 Mar. 27 The suit double..has several interesting aspects.

1928 M. C. Work Contract Bridge (new ed.) 32 In Auction Bridge an initial suit-bid of one is justified.

1929 M. C. Work Compl. Contract Bridge 52 When determining whether to make a suit-jump of two or three..do not be influenced..by Queens or Jacks of other suits.

1962 Times 24 Oct. 3/7 Why be forced into a higher contract which may be in jeopardy through unlucky suit-breaks?

1977 Homes & Gardens Feb. 14 Presumably he also appreciates the point I made above about playing unbalanced hands in a suit contract.

2017 Tribune-Rev. (Greensburg, Pa.) (Nexis) 17 Dec. How about a set of hand-drawn Andy Warhol Playing Cards..? Each suit design was created by Warhol himself.

C2.

a. General compounds.For compounds relating to the feudal obligation, see Compounds 2b.

suit bag n. a bag designed to hold or protect a suit of clothes; esp. (a) a travelling bag designed to hold a suit in such a way as to avoid creasing or crumpling; cf. suiter n.² 2; (b) a lightweight bag or cover, usually having a full-length zip down the front, which is designed to protect a suit when it is not being worn.

ΘΚΠ

society > travel > aspects of travel > a journey > [noun] > luggage > travelling bag

cloak-bagc1540

mallet1612

Peter1667

sac de nuit1814

carpet-bag1830

roll-up1831

pikau1836

travelling bag1838

swag1853

suit bag1869

bluey1878

Matilda1889

shiralee1892

port1898

handgrip1915

sea-bag1918

blanket pack1920

weekender1929

valpack1934

weekend bag1946

swag bag1951

the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > set or suit of clothes > [noun] > protective covering for

suit bag1948

1869 Wisconsin State Jrnl. 29 Sept. List of Entries for the State Fair... Suit bags, clothing; 6 skeins yarn; 1 pair socks; 1 pair woolen mittens.

1891 Preston Chron. 1 Aug. 5/4 The ladies gave the respective bridegrooms each a suit bag, with silver fittings.

1948 Independent Record (Helena, Montana) 16 July 12/1 (advt.) Genuine Vinyl Plastic Garment Bags..54-inch dress bag and 42-inch suit bag.

2006 Independent 12 Aug. 34/5 All those anti-social, disorganised people who clutter up aircraft cabins with their suit bags, oversized luggage and shopping in defiance of airline rules.

† suit-breeder n. Obsolete a person who promotes or encourages legal prosecutions.

ΘΚΠ

society > law > administration of justice > court proceedings or procedure > action of courts in claims or grievances > party in litigation > [noun] > a promoter of lawsuits

suit-jogger1630

suit-breeder1691

1691 T. Shadwell Scowrers ii. i. 12 Attorneys, those Suit-breeders, those Litigious Rogues.

1868 Arthur's Home Mag. Sept. 163/2 But from pettifoggers, suit-breeders, and strife-promoters, all ingenuous people shrink, as from reptiles.

† suit-broker n. Obsolete a person who makes a business of procuring a favourable hearing for suits or petitions; cf. suit-jogger n.

ΘΚΠ

society > law > legal profession > lawyer > [noun] > legal representative or agent > other legal agents

pettifactor1586

suit-broker1632

literary executor1797

paralegal1969

1632 P. Massinger Maid of Honour ii. ii. sig. D4 A suit-broker in Court.

suit dress n. (originally) a woman's suit consisting of a skirt or dress and a matching jacket; (now also) a dress designed to be worn as part of such a suit.

ΘΚΠ

the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > set or suit of clothes > [noun] > for specific people > for women > other

ensemble1802

Bloomer costume1851

coat and skirt1895

blouse suit1905

jumper suit1908

suit dress1917

tailleur1923

twin set1937

salwar-kameez1955

co-ordinates1959

theatre suit1964

trikini1967

the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > clothing for body or trunk (and limbs) > [noun] > dress, robe, or gown > types of > other

gite13..

long dress1731

Jesuit1767

Brunswick1769

overdress1812

fancy dress1826

agbada1852

stone-bluea1855

low-neck1858

Dolly Varden1872

sundress1875

frump1886

harem dress1911

kimono gowna1922

gina-gina1923

dirndl1937

qipao1955

cheongsam1957

sack dress1957

tent dress1957

gomesi1965

minidress1965

poncho dress1968

longuette1970

anarkali1988

suit dress2017

1917 Washington Post 18 Feb. f3/1 What is termed the suit dress..is..a two-piece dress with skirt and slip-on or button-up coat blouse.

1948 Mod. Screen Apr. 72 Spring two-piecers... Here's a sweet neat little suit dress to ooh and ah over.

2017 @dverdier01 13 July in twitter.com (accessed 20 Apr. 2019) All men had jackets off. Mine was on. Sleeveless suit dress underneath. It was sweltering!

† suit-jogger n. Obsolete a person who makes a business of procuring a favourable hearing for suits or petitions; cf. suit-broker n.

ΘΚΠ

society > law > administration of justice > court proceedings or procedure > action of courts in claims or grievances > party in litigation > [noun] > a promoter of lawsuits

suit-jogger1630

suit-breeder1691

1630 J. Taylor Great Eater of Kent 3 Proiectmongers, Suit-ioggers, and Stargazers.

suit length n. a piece of material of the right size for making into a suit; also figurative.

ΘΚΠ

the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile fabric or an article of textile fabric > textile fabric > textile fabric for specific purpose > [noun] > for clothing > for suits > piece of

suit length1860

1860 Caledonian Mercury 17 Mar. (advt.) Suit lengths sent to any part of the country, on receipt of a Post-office order.

1924 J. Joyce Let. 30 Sept. (1957) II. 221 There is now a special cheap edition..about 1/11¼ per normal novel suitlength real continental.

1971 D. Lees Rainbow Conspiracy ii. 24 The foreman weaver in most mills is allowed to take any end pieces as part of his perks... More often than not he finds himself with a suit length.

2018 @ShyamalChikan 10 Jan. in twitter.com (accessed 11 June 2019) Pure tussar silk chikankari suit lengths Whatsapp..for more details and orders.

suit mark n. any of the marks distinguishing suits of cards (equivalent to spades, clubs, hearts, or diamonds in a standard modern pack).

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > card game > card or cards > [noun] > suit > distinguishing mark of

suit mark1876

1876 W. H. Willshire Descriptive Catal. Playing & Other Cards in Brit. Mus. ii. 287 Each card has the suit mark stamped at the upper right-hand corner, of a size much larger than the design traced out by the engraver.

1905 Athenæum 18 Nov. 683/3 The suit-marks were possibly coins, cups, bells, and birds.

1998 Guardian 4 Mar. ii. 17/1 Polo then being unknown in Europe, these were transformed into batons or staves, which, together with swords, cups and coins, are still the traditional suitmarks of Italian and Spanish cards.

suit preference signal n. Bridge a play of a card of a certain rank to indicate which suit one wishes one's partner to return.

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > card game > bridge > [noun] > actions or tactics

echo1862

signal1864

Vienna Coup1864

Peter1885

Bath coup1897

promotion1900

finesse1902

switch1921

false-carding1923

squeeze1926

squeeze play1926

suicide squeeze1931

pseudo-squeeze1932

throw-in1932

suit preference signal1934

underlead1934

psyching1938

ruff and discard1939

hold-up1945

upper cut1955

safety play1959

1934 H. Lavinthal in Bridge World June 5/1 I am offering a new convention for the defense. I call this convention the High-Low Suit Preference Signal.

1981 Times 14 Nov. 17/6 Where there is any risk of confusion, suit preference signals should not be applied to the first trick.

2000 Observer 18 June (Screen section) 4/1 Everyone knows how to use suit preference signals (the concept of playing or discarding ‘irrelevant’ high cards to signal interest in a high suit, and low cards to indicate interest in a low suit) to signal the location of honours.

† suit shape n. Obsolete a style or fashion of clothing.

ΘΚΠ

the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > [noun]

wearing?c1225

guisec1275

attire1382

habita1420

shapea1425

trick1542

fashion1544

trim1579

suit shape1598

garb1608

form1664

toilet1752

macaroni dressa1777

turn-out1812

style1814

set-out1834

get-up1842

rig1843

feather1854

model1859

make-up1883

1598 J. Marston Scourge of Villanie iii. x. sig. H7^v This fashion-mounger..Contemplates sute shapes.

suit-wearing adj. that wears a suit; characterized by wearing a suit and having a professional or businesslike appearance.

ΘΚΠ

the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > wearing clothing > [adjective] > wearing a suit or set of clothes

suiteda1592

suit-wearing1885

suited-up1957

besuited1959

1885 St. Louis (Missouri) Globe-Democrat 31 May 22 (advt.) The Most Successful Suit Sale on Record! We are holding Open House daily to the Suit-Wearing Community.

1985 C. Doty What she told Him 149 I'd had a little skirmish with some suit-wearing dude.

2018 M. Obama Becoming viii. 96 I now fancied myself as the sort of suit-wearing, Saab-driving independent young professional I'd always dreamed of being.

suit weight n. a type or piece of fabric of a weight or thickness suitable for making up into suits; chiefly (and earliest) as a modifier, designating fabric of this type.

ΘΚΠ

the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile fabric or an article of textile fabric > textile fabric > textile fabric for specific purpose > [noun] > for clothing > for suits

suiting1863

suit weight1907

1907 Brookfield (Missouri) Gaz. 20 July Henley serge, suit weight, natty colors and patterns.

1911 Berskshire (Pittsfield, Mass.) Evening Eagle 17 Mar. 6/1 (advt.) Our new lines are inviting in the greatest degree, embracing the popular qualities in all the leading black and white checks. Some of them good suit weights.

1955 Archit. Rev. 117 351 (caption) Light suit-weight Cheviot tweed by Michal Illan.

1963 Guardian 10 May 8/4 Tweed, flannel or other suit-weight woollen.

† suit-worth adj. Obsolete worthy of imitation.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > worth > [adjective]

dearc888

dearworthc888

worthlyeOE

oughtsOE

worthfulOE

aughtOE

richa1225

gildenc1225

of pricea1325

worthya1325

of (‥) valourc1330

prow1340

dearworthyc1374

of value1395

pricefula1400

presc1400

singularc1400

goldena1425

well-foundc1475

valiant1481

prized1487

prowousa1500

valuable1567

prizable1569

valorous1592

suit-worth1594

bully1600

estimable1600

treasurable1607

treasurous?1611

treasured1675

pearly1770

at a premium1828

keep-worthy1830

good value1842

the world > relative properties > relationship > imitation > prototype > [adjective] > exemplary

paradigmatical1577

exemplary1593

suit-worth1594

exampling1605

paradigmatic1662

model1831

exemplaric1836

1594 R. Carew tr. T. Tasso Godfrey of Bulloigne v. 210 If any may sutewoorth example finde.

b. Feudal Law. (Cf. branch II.)

† suit court n. Obsolete the court in which tenants owe suit to their lord.Johnson in quot. 1755 attributes to (Nathan) Bailey, but this use has not been traced.

ΘΚΠ

society > law > administration of justice > judicial body, assembly, or court > [noun] > feudal courts > other manorial, etc., courts

leet1292

view of frankpledge1495

court leet1588

customary court1628

leet-court1651

honour court1661

knighten court1701

suit court1755

1755 S. Johnson Dict. Eng. Lang. Suit Court, is the court in which tenants owe attendance to their lord. Bailey.

† suit covenant n. Obsolete the obligation of attending a superior's court as a result of an agreement or covenant; cf. suit custom n.

ΚΠ

1579 Rastell's Expos. Termes Lawes (new ed.) f. 183 Suit couenant is when your auncestours haue couenaunted wyth my auncestors to sue to the court of my auncestors.

1908 F. J. C. Hearnshaw Leet Jurisdict. in Eng. i. 84 The sixteenth and seventeenth century lawyers..drew distinctions between five different kinds of suit. These were..suit covenant, based on agreement [etc.].

† suit custom n. Obsolete the obligation of attending a superior's court as a result of custom; cf. suit covenant n.

ΚΠ

1579 Rastell's Expos. Termes Lawes (new ed.) f. 183^v Suit custome is when I and my auncestours haue beene seysed of your owne suit and your auncestours, tyme out of minde.

† suit duty n. Obsolete the obligation of a tenant to grind his or her grain at a particular mill; = sense 10.

ΘΚΠ

society > law > legal obligation > [noun] > obligations of tenants > to have corn ground at particular mill

sokenc1386

sucken1423

suitc1460

suit dutyc1460

thirl1564

astriction1619

suckening1636

c1460 in A. Clark Eng. Reg. Oseney Abbey (1907) 75 Of no Sute Dewte, by such maner, we shall axe or chalenge of þe forsaide maynye or men.

† suit groat n. Obsolete a due paid in lieu of suit at court; = sense 9.

ΘΚΠ

society > trade and finance > fees and taxes > impost, due, or tax > payment or service to feudal superior > [noun] > payment in lieu of service > in lieu of attendance at court

suit1447

suit silver1518

suit groat1555

suitor fee1582

1555 in Archaeologia (1852) 34 53 Paid for a suitt groat at the same time.

1615 Accts. St. John's Hosp., Canterbury (Canterbury Cathedral Archives: CCA-U13/5) Payd Lordis Rentis..and seut grote.

† suithold n. Obsolete tenure by suit and service to a superior; cf. hold n.¹ 1b.Frequently (and earliest) as a modifier, designating land held by such a tenure.

ΘΚΠ

society > law > legal right > right of possession or ownership > tenure of property > [noun] > tenure by service

socagea1325

escuagea1513

free or common (also free and common) socage1596

sokemanry1603

drengage1672

suithold1774

adscription1822

1774 Daily Advertiser 21 Apr. To be Sold by Auction... The Valuable Freehold and Suithold Estates of Richard Tonson, Esq.

1832 T. Coventry Treat. Stamp Laws I. ii. 283 If..a suithold or burgage tenement be transferable by lease and release enrolled in the court baron or customary court of the manor, such an estate cannot fall within the words ‘passing, by surrender and not by deed’.

1864 J. J. S. Wharton Law-lexicon (ed. 3) 868/2 Suithold, a tenure in consideration of certain services to the superior lord.

1877 Bucks Herald 14 July 4/1 To Sell by Auction..the following Freehold and part Suithold eligible Building Land.

suit roll n. the roll of tenants obligated to give suit at a particular court. Now historical.

ΘΚΠ

society > law > legal obligation > [noun] > obligations of tenants > other obligations of tenants > tenant owing > roll of persons bound to give suit

suit roll1490

society > authority > subjection > service > feudal service > [noun] > vassal > one bound to suit of court > list of

suit roll1490

1490 in Rec. Parl. Scotl. to 1707 (2007) 1490/2/22 That all thai fre tenentis salbe haldin to compere and ansuer in parliament and justice airis with thare soytis and presens as efferis..and soyt rollis to be maid thareappoune.

1532 in J. B. Paul Accts. Treasurer Scotl. (1905) VI. 116 Bringand with thame the sute roll of thair Sherefdome.

1541 in W. Cramond Rec. Elgin (1903) I. 55 Quhilk day was assingit to the saidis personis to produce thair instrumentis and to be enterit in the soit roll.

1914 J. S. Clouston Rec. Earldom of Orkney Introd. p. lxxxv The suit-rolls containing their names making a practically complete list of the county gentry.

1993 Jrnl. Mod. Hist. 65 205 At least 85 percent of those on the Suit Roll regularly absented themselves.

suit service n. service rendered by attendance at a lord's court; also figurative. Now historical.

ΘΚΠ

society > law > legal obligation > [noun] > obligations of tenants > other obligations of tenants

bridgeworkOE

bedrip1226

timber-lodec1400

suit and service1416

suling-man1440

presence and suit1504

homage and suit?a1509

sect of court1546

wood-carriage1557

suit service1579

sword-service1630

society > authority > subjection > service > feudal service > [noun] > suit and service

suit and service1416

presence and suit1504

homage and suit?a1509

sect of court1546

suit service1579

1579 Rastell's Expos. Termes Lawes (new ed.) f. 184 Suit seruice is to sue to the..lordes court from iij. wekes to iij. wekes by y^e whole yere.

1651 tr. J. Kitchin Courts Leet (1657) 291 Suit-service is by reason of Free-hold, that is, by reason of their tenure, that is, for that they hold of their Lord by suit to his Court.

1870 D. G. Rossetti Youth's Spring-tribute 13 For this Is even the hour of Love's sworn suitservice.

1983 Amer. Jrnl. Legal Hist. 27 59 The demand for more suit service on certain occasions reflects the special care taken by courtholders to insure that their courts were provided with large numbers of suitors when dealing with matters which might attract special royal attention.

† suit silver n. Obsolete (a local name for) a due paid in lieu of suit at a court; = sense 9.

ΘΚΠ

society > trade and finance > fees and taxes > impost, due, or tax > payment or service to feudal superior > [noun] > payment in lieu of service > in lieu of attendance at court

suit1447

suit silver1518

suit groat1555

suitor fee1582

1518 in Jrnl. Prior William More (1914) 16 Sewteselver. Receved by ye hands of ye cellerar. 10s. 0d.

1670 T. Blount Νομο-λεξικον: Law-dict. Sute-silver, is a small Rent or sum of Money, which, if paid, does excuse the Freeholders from their appearance at the Court Barons within the Honor of Clun in Shropshire.

1886 Copyhold Enfranchisem. Bill 25 in House of Lords Sessional Papers (H.L. 185) III. i The word ‘suit’ shall include suit silver, hundred silver, wapentake silver, leet silver, head silver, head pence, [etc.].

This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2020; most recently modified version published online June 2022).

suitv.

Brit.

/suːt/,

/sjuːt/, U.S.

/sut/

Forms:

α. Middle English–1700s sute, late Middle English–1500s suyt, 1500s sewt, 1500s suett, 1500s sutt- (inflected form), 1500s svte, 1500s–1600s suitt- (inflected form), 1500s–1700s suite, 1500s– suit, 1600s ssut, 1800s soot (English regional); Scottish pre-1700 seutt, pre-1700 sewte, pre-1700 sewtt- (inflected form), pre-1700 soit, pre-1700 soitt- (inflected form), pre-1700 sot, pre-1700 soute, pre-1700 soyt, pre-1700 suitt, pre-1700 sut, pre-1700 sute, pre-1700 sutt, pre-1700 sutte, pre-1700 suyt, pre-1700 suyte, pre-1700 swit, pre-1700 swite, pre-1700 swte, pre-1700 swyt, pre-1700 1700s suite, pre-1700 1700s– suit, pre-1700 (1800s– Orkney) seut, 1900s– syute.

β. 1500s (1800s Irish English (northern)) shute, 1600s (1900s– Irish English (northern)) shoot, 1900s– shuit (Irish English (northern)); Scottish pre-1700 schuit, pre-1700 schuted (past participle), pre-1700 shut, 1800s– shoot, 1800s– shuit.

Origin: Formed within English, by conversion. Etymon: suit n.

Etymology: < suit n. Compare earlier sue v., suitor n.With the β. forms compare discussion at suit n. With sense 8b compare earlier nonsuit v. With senses 12a and 12b compare earlier suitor n. 6a.

I. To be or make suitable, and related senses.

a. transitive. To be suitable or appropriate for (something); to be fitted or adapted to; to meet the requirements of.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > order > agreement, harmony, or congruity > suitability or appropriateness > suit or be suitable for [verb (transitive)]

suit1431

queemc1540

fita1586

sort1587

suit1600

to level (a person or thing) with (now rare), to, unto1603

to comply with1626

opportunea1634

commodiate1641

commode1655

lend1854

1431 [implied in: Rolls of Parl.: Henry VI (Electronic ed.) Parl. Jan. 1431 §18. m. 8 It nys nought covenable ne suting, ne lyke to be to the plesire of God, ne of þe world; a Cristen prince to refuse pees offred with menes resonable. (at suiting adj.)].

1603 J. Davies Microcosmos 200 What ist On Earth that shee thinks (be'ng so superfine) Worthie to suite her, but alone to reigne?

1650 W. Mure Cry of Blood 509 Tears sute the season.

1692 J. Locke 3rd Let. for Toleration x. 264 There being..no necessity of Miracles for any other end, but to supply the want of the Magistrate's Assistance, they must, to sute that end, be constant.

1785 W. Cowper Task i. 106 The Sofa suits The gouty limb.

1855 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. IV. xx. 453 One poet is the eagle: another is the swan: a third modestly compares himself to the bee. But none of these types would have suited Montague.

1875 B. Jowett in tr. Plato Dialogues (ed. 2) III. 591 His own explanation did not suit all phenomena.

2018 Daily Tel. (Nexis) 27 Dec. 6 In the future, we could..design their breast cancer therapy to suit their type of cancer.

b. transitive. To complement or be in accord with (something); esp. to be becoming to (a person or his or her figure, features, etc.).Quot. shows person as subject, a common construction in Scottish use and in Irish English (northern).

ΘΚΠ

the mind > attention and judgement > beautification > beautify [verb (transitive)] > be becoming to or set off

becomec1314

commend1535

advancea1555

comely1573

outseta1578

countenance?1578

to set out1586

to stick off1613

to set offa1616

suit1655

to put off1700

advantage1748

approve1849

flatter1904

1655 R. Loveday tr. G. de Costes de La Calprenède Hymen's Præludia: 3rd Pt. i. 21 Her head was crown'd with a prodigious quantity of faire long haire, whereof the colour as fitly suited the beauty of her Eyes, as imagination could make it.

1811 J. Baillie Let. 16 Dec. (1999) I. ii. 117 This measure..does not suit the tune as you have it set in the music you sent me.

1819 W. Scott Ivanhoe III. v. 129 It suits not our condition to hold with thee long communication.

1884 G. Allen Philistia II. 5 It suits your complexion admirably.

1932 ‘E. M. Delafield’ Thank Heaven Fasting ii. i. 156 Run upstairs and put on the green velveteen. It suits you.

1990 L. Todd Words Apart 153 You suit that dress lovely.

2005 Hair Ideas Dec. 37/2 Choose an undertone that suits your skin colour.

c. transitive. To be favourable to the health or condition of (a person, part of his or her body, etc.); to be good for. Now rare.Quot. 2015 may simply show contextual use of sense 1a.

ΘΚΠ

the world > health and disease > make healthy [verb (transitive)] > suit one's health

agree1543

suit1814

1814 W. Scott Diary 16 Aug. in J. G. Lockhart Mem. Life Scott (1837) III. v. 201 The wet and boggy walk not suiting his gout.

1861 Baroness Bunsen in A. J. C. Hare Life & Lett. Baroness Bunsen (1879) II. v. 289 It does not suit my eyes to employ them by candlelight.

1882 Med. Temp. Jrnl. 1 128 What suits us we think ought to suit..other people.

2015 Malta Today (Nexis) 24 Dec. I decided to move to Malta because a doctor had recommended a warm climate to better suit my health.

2. transitive. To be agreeable or convenient to (a person or his or her inclinations, plans, etc.).See also suit yourself at Phrases 2.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > advantage > convenience > be convenient to [verb (transitive)]

suit1570

accommodate1608

convenience1630

1570 R. Sempill Poysonit Schot (single sheet) Quhat plesis them the same the pepill suittis.

c1600 R. Lindsay Hist. & Cron. Scotl. (1899) II. 254 The lordis of Edinburgh..thocht to have taine the same and suitted nocht my lord of Mortounis men of weir.

1719 in W. Mure Select. Family Papers Caldwell (1854) I. 238 Either to answer or not, as best suits your conveniency.

1786 T. Jefferson Writings (1859) II. 3 It is only to keep alive pretensions which may authorize the commencement of hostilities when it shall suit them.

1812 Ld. Byron Childe Harold: Cantos I & II i. iii. 4 But whence his name And lineage long, it suits me not to say.

1889 J. K. Jerome Three Men in Boat 17 Harris said that the river would suit him to a ‘T’.

1894 H. Caine Manxman iii. xix. 190 Then came the change of the day to suit his supposed convenience.

2010 J. Powell Breaking of Eggs (2011) vi. 101 It is not a life that I would choose for myself, of course, but I can see that it suits you.

†3. transitive. To supply a parallel example of (something); to match or correspond to (something). Obsolete. rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > relationship > equality or equivalence > make equal [verb (transitive)] > be equal to or match

to be even witheOE

match?1529

countervail1530

even1582

suit1583

patterna1586

amate1590

proportionate1590

parallela1594

fellow1596

to hold its level with1598

adequate1599

coequal1599

twin1605

paragonize1606

peer1614

to come upa1616

proportiona1616

paragon1620

parallelize1620

tail1639

to match up to (also with)1958

1583 H. Howard Defensatiue sig. Ff^v These examples may be suted with the like of christen Princes.

1589 J. Lyly Pappe with Hatchet sig. D4 I haue taken an inuentorie of al thy..rakehell tearmes, and could sute them in no place but in Bedlam and Bridewell.

1739 P. Doddridge Family Expositor I. iii. 8 Our Version may be consistent with the Truth, and most exactly suits the Order of the Words in the Original.

1781 H. Newdigate Let. 27 Sept. in A. E. Newdigate-Newdegate Cheverels (1898) iii. 32 My Brother has Knives & forks also made to suit his Silver ones, so exact that they can't be distinguish'd.

a. intransitive. To complement or be in accord with something. Now rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > order > agreement, harmony, or congruity > agree/be in harmony/be congruous [verb (intransitive)]

accord1340

cord1340

concordc1374

agree1447

to stand togetherc1449

rhyme?a1475

commonc1475

gree?a1513

correspond1529

consent1540

cotton1567

pan1572

reciprocate1574

concur1576

meet1579

suit1589

sorta1592

condog1592

square1592

fit1594

congrue1600

sympathize1601

symbolize1605

to go even1607

coherea1616

congreea1616

hita1616

piece1622

to fall in1626

harmonize1629

consist1638

comply1645

shadow1648

quare1651

atonea1657

symphonize1661

syncretize1675

chime1690

jibe1813

consone1873

the world > action or operation > advantage > expediency > be expedient or advisable [verb (intransitive)] > be suitable, opportune, or convenient

suit1589

sort1595

the world > relative properties > order > agreement, harmony, or congruity > suitability or appropriateness > be suitable, appropriate, or suit [verb (intransitive)]

fayc1300

sita1393

applya1450

fadec1475

frame?1518

agree1534

compete?1541

fadge1578

suit1589

apt1596

suit1601

quadrate1670

gee1699

the world > relative properties > order > agreement, harmony, or congruity > agree/be in harmony/be congruous [verb (intransitive)] > be compatible > match, go, or fit together

suit1589

besort1608

match1850

go1940

1589 J. Throckmorton M. Some laid Open in his Coulers 50 Then belike her Maiestie, is noe visible member of the Church, for that would haue suted well with the rest of these prety ifs.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Macbeth (1623) ii. i. 60 For feare Thy very stones prate of my where-about, And take the present horror from the time, Which now sutes with it.

1681 J. Dryden Absalom & Achitophel 15 This Advice above the rest, With Absalom's Mild nature suited best.

1719 D. Defoe Farther Adventures Robinson Crusoe 248 I have a Project to communicate to you, which, as it suits with my Thoughts, may..suit with your's also.

1785 G. Crabbe News-paper 1 A busy, bustling time, Suits ill with writers, very ill with rhyme.

1815 W. Scott Guy Mannering II. 117 His walking-dress..had so much of a military character as suited not amiss with his having such a weapon.

1859 Habits Good Society iv. 174 The shawl is affronted with the gown; the bonnet is made to suit with both.

2018 @alyciasheaven 30 May in twitter.com (accessed 21 May 2019) I know what suits with my face and that cut isn't my style.

b. intransitive. With to. To be appropriate or suitable for; to accord with. Now rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > order > agreement, harmony, or congruity > suitability or appropriateness > be suitable, appropriate, or suit [verb (intransitive)] > be fitting or proper

i-burec1000

shallc1000

belongOE

becomec1175

fallc1175

beliea1225

ferea1300

longc1350

beseemc1384

pertainc1384

it is worthy thata1398

accordc1400

foldc1400

affeir1415

fit1574

suit?1591

sort1595

?1591 H. Barrow Brief Discouerie False Church 192 From these ancient defections haue these learned reforming Priests drawen their platforme of reformation, as best suting to the estimation of their persons.

1632 T. Hawkins tr. P. Matthieu Vnhappy Prosperitie 241 Time cooperateth with his industry, and fortune sutes to his vigilance.

1690 T. Burnet Rev. Theory of Earth 29 (note) A Text, that does not suit to their own Notions.

1700 J. Dryden tr. G. Boccaccio Sigismonda & Guiscardo in Fables 125 She cast her Eyes around the Court, to find A worthy Subject suiting to her Mind.

1827 J. Bentham Rationale Judicial Evid. II. iii. vi. 136 Such solicitations as it suited not to him to make.

2019 @AUKhanOfficial 10 June in twitter.com (accessed 24 July 2019) Insulting the men who are doing their duties does not suit to a senator and a lawmaker.

c. intransitive. Without construction. To agree or be in accord; to be appropriate or suitable. Frequently of two or more people or things; formerly also with together.

ΚΠ

1600 L. Thomas Demegoriai sig. C8 But hauing finished his work of creation, & taking a perfect view of al that he had made, finding that all things did agree & sute together..then he pronounced..it was exceeding good.

1607 J. Norden Surueyors Dialogue iii. 84 Great houses with small reuenewes, cannot sute well.

1784 in G. Washington Papers (1992) Confederation Ser. II. 248 Mousseux Wines do not suit in your Country on account of the heat which bursts them.

1816 J. Austen Emma III. ii. 20 Frank Churchill is a capital dancer, I understand.—We shall see if our styles suit .

1825 T. Hook Sayings & Doings 2nd Ser. II. 278 That's well, Sir,..that will suit well.

1971 ‘D. Halliday’ Dolly & Doctor Bird xiii. 193 I've done an Eysenck personality inventory on you both... You wouldn't suit.

2016 C. E. Morgan Sport of Kings ii. 163 The man came on, smiling slightly in a pinched way, but the smile didn't suit, like too-tight Sunday clothes on a roughneck.

d. intransitive. With for. To be appropriate or suitable for something.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > order > agreement, harmony, or congruity > suitability or appropriateness > be suitable, appropriate, or suit [verb (intransitive)]

fayc1300

sita1393

applya1450

fadec1475

frame?1518

agree1534

compete?1541

fadge1578

suit1589

apt1596

suit1601

quadrate1670

gee1699

1601 J. Chamber Astronomiae Encomium 34 in Treat. against Iudicial Astrol. How rash or foolish, or both, they are, which contemne and despise Astronomy, and al mathematiques, as tending to pleasure and pastime, rather then to any vse, or profit, suting wel for quiet, but not for troublesome times.

1793 Earl of Dundonald Descr. Estate Culross 5 The bands of Iron Stone are numerous,..suiting partly for Forge and partly for Melting Iron.

2014 A. Scherp in E. Spyrou et al. Semantic Multimedia Anal. & Processing xiii. 361 The template-based approach for multimedia personalization suits well for applications in which content selection can be split into several database requests.

a. transitive. To make (something) appropriate or agreeable; to fit or tailor (something) to a purpose, situation, etc.; to adapt or change (something) so that it agrees or is in accord with another. Also reflexive. Chiefly with to.See also to suit the action to the word at Phrases 1.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > order > agreement, harmony, or congruity > adaptation or adjustment > adapt or adjust [verb (transitive)]

afaite?c1225

ablea1400

reducec1450

fashion1526

adapt1531

framec1537

handsome1555

accommode1567

apt?1578

square1578

fit1580

coapt1586

commodate1595

suit1595

dispose1602

adjust1611

agence1633

adaptate1638

plya1657

the world > relative properties > order > agreement, harmony, or congruity > suitability or appropriateness > suit or be suitable for [verb (transitive)] > make or select as appropriate to > make suitable

adapt1531

apt?1578

coapt1586

appropriate1594

suit1595

fit1600

dispose1602

adaptate1638

meeten1807

the world > relative properties > order > agreement, harmony, or congruity > suitability or appropriateness > make suitable [verb (reflexive)]

suit1710

1595 R. Southwell Triumphs ouer Death sig. B2^v She suted her behauiour to her birth, and ennobled her birth with her piety, leauing her house more beholding to her for hauing honoured it with the glorie of her vertues, then she was to it for the titles of her degree.

1611 T. Heywood Golden Age ii. sig. D2^v Oh sute your pitty with your Angell-beauty.

1621 F. Quarles Hadassa sig. F3^v The King commands the seruants of his State, To suit Respect to Hamans high estate.

1710 Ld. Shaftesbury Soliloquy 47 He..sutes himself to the Fancy of his Reader.

1831 W. Scott Castle Dangerous ii, in Tales of my Landlord 4th Ser. IV. 26 [They] took care to suit their answers to the questions put to them.

1844 A. W. Kinglake Eothen xvii. 272 The peculiar way in which you are obliged to suit yourself to the movements of the beast [sc. a camel].

1989 P. van der Merwe Origins Pop. Style (1992) v. 33 Musicians may control the accompanying dance, choreograph it almost, carefully suiting the music to the mood of the dancers.

b. transitive. In passive. To be suitable, becoming, or convenient; = senses 1, 2.Often difficult to distinguish from predicative uses of the adjective (see suited adj.²).

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > order > agreement, harmony, or congruity > suitability or appropriateness > suit or be suitable for [verb (transitive)]

suit1431

queemc1540

fita1586

sort1587

suit1600

to level (a person or thing) with (now rare), to, unto1603

to comply with1626

opportunea1634

commodiate1641

commode1655

lend1854

1600 W. Shakespeare Merchant of Venice iii. v. 60 O deare discretion, how his words are suted .

a1626 W. Rowley Birth of Merlin (1662) sig. A3^v Provided my daughters love be suited with my Grant.

1771 in ‘Junius’ Stat Nominis Umbra (1772) II. lxiii. 295 Both the law and the language are well suited to a Barrister!

1821 W. Scott Kenilworth III. xiii. 260 I ceased to consider either courts, or court-intrigues, as suited to my temper or genius.

1837 C. R. Goring & A. Pritchard Micrographia 210 They will soon..thrust themselves into situations of restraint well suited for the purpose.

1874 J. R. Green Short Hist. Eng. People vii. §3. 364 Her..policy..was one eminently suited to Elizabeth's peculiar powers.

2013 New Yorker 14 Oct. 42/1 Purely for the sake of health insurance, people stay in jobs they aren't suited to.

†6. intransitive. To act in accordance with or conform to. Obsolete. rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > behaviour > a standard of conduct > act in accordance with [verb (transitive)]

goOE

sue?c1335

suit1647

act1649

to live up to1650

assimilate1792

1647 N. Bacon Hist. Disc. Govt. 52 In matters of action [they] would suite with the occasion.

1647 N. Bacon Hist. Disc. Govt. 218 Two Ordinances made by the King and such Lords as suted to the Kings way.

a1660 Aphorismical Discov. in J. T. Gilbert Contemp. Hist. Ireland (1879) I. 176 Taaffe was comaunded by the Councell, (as..sutinge to theire factious principles) to marche with his armie.

†II. To perform the feudal obligation of suit (suit n. 7), and related senses.

7. intransitive. Feudal Law. With to. Of a tenant: to perform the obligation of attendance at a superior's court. Also in extended use: to seek out or have recourse to someone or something. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > advantage > usefulness > use (made of things) > recourse > have recourse to [verb (transitive)]

fang855

runOE

to take to ——?c1225

seeka1300

goc1390

to have (one's or a) recourse toc1405

recourse?a1425

suit1450

to take (also make or make one's) recourse to (also into)c1456

repairc1475

to fall to ——1490

recur1511

to take unto ——1553

flee1563

betake1590

retreat1650

to call on ——1721

devolve1744

to draw upon ——1800

to draw on ——a1817

1450 in J. Robertson Illustr. Topogr. & Antiq. Aberdeen & Banff (1857) III. 135 The quhilk [tenants] sal mak service to the lordis miln and smithy..and sal ever soyt to the lordis courtis.

?c1450 Life St. Cuthbert (1891) l. 3575 (MED) Shrewes þan on happ sall suyt To my body for refuyt.

III. To pursue, seek to obtain, and related senses.

†8.

a. transitive. Scottish. To make an application or appeal for (something). Also: to sue for (something) in a court of law. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

society > law > administration of justice > process, writ, warrant, or order > [verb (transitive)] > apply for or enforce legal process

suea1325

to sue out (also forth)?c1425

suit1504

to put in suit1579

1504 Extracts Rec. in W. Chambers Charters Burgh Peebles (1872) 199 xxiiij of the best nychtburis of the towne..to soit and rasaif the cont of thair comoun guddis.

1567 in P. F. Tytler Hist. Scotl. (1864) III. 248 The nobility are of mind to suit assistance of the queen.

1573–4 in J. H. Burton Reg. Privy Council Scotl. (1878) 1st Ser. II. 330 The coistis..and interes sustenit..aucht to be sutit and persewit alsua befoir the saidis Judgeis.

1598 in J. Row Hist. Kirk Scotl. (1842) 190 It is caried..that the Kirk..should sute vote in Parliament.

1633 W. Struther True Happines 49 If we had merite to deserve it, we needed not Suit it of God.

1710 in Minutes of Evid. Nairne Peerage (1873) 44 in Sessional Papers House of Lords (H.L. A) XII. 65 What else he may suite ask claim and crave.

b. transitive. To make an application or appeal to (a person); to petition or entreat. Also: to bring a lawsuit against (a person); to sue. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

pleada1325

implead1387

follow1389

pursue1454

process1493

to put in suit1495

to call (a person) unto the law?a1513

sue1526

suit1560

prosecute1579

to fetch a person over the hips1587

trounce1638

law1647

prosecute1656

action1734

to fetch law of1832

court1847

chicane1865

actionize1871

run1891

1560 W. Maitland Let. 20 Jan. in W. Robertson Wks. (1824) III. App. ii. 125 Then sall they not fayle to sute zow in zour awne countrey.

1566–7 in J. H. Burton Reg. Privy Council Scotl. (1877) 1st Ser. I. 503 The Quenis Majestie, being ernistlie suitit be the Quene of Inglandis ambassatouris..for payment.

c1610 J. Melville Mem. Own Life (1735) 348 The King of Scotland was suiting her Majesty for an Alliance.

a1653 H. Binning Serm. (1845) 272 Let Wisdom have but a patient hearing,..and she will carry it off from all that suit you.

†9. intransitive. To make an application or appeal for something; to petition or entreat to, unto, or of a person. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > request > make a request [verb (intransitive)] > to, of, or upon someone

clepec825

cryc1290

to pray (one) of a boon1393

to call on ——a1400

to seek on (also upon)a1400

to call upon ——c1405

sue1405

supplicate1417

peala1425

labour1442

to make suit1447–8

supply1489

suit1526

appeal1540

apply1554

incalla1572

invocate1582

beg1600

palaver1859

1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection ii. sig. Siii^v These holy fathers knowyng their owne conscience clere..hauynge no recorde of man to declare them..sewted to almyghty god.

1567 in P. F. Tytler Hist. Scotl. (1864) III. 247 I am so suited to for to enterprise the revenge.

1679 C. Ness Protestant Antidote Popery 90 God loves to be suited unto by saints and angels.

1719 in W. Mure Select. Family Papers Caldwell (1854) I. 238 I'm ready to think that your lordship's friendship may give it to either of the gentlemen who now suit for it.

†10. transitive. Scottish. To seek to obtain (something); to aim at. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > will > intention > intend [verb (transitive)] > have as purpose or object

followeOE

studylOE

turna1200

pursuea1382

purposec1384

to shoot atc1407

ensue1483

proponea1500

studyc1503

prick1545

tread1551

suit1560

to go for ——1568

to set (up) one's rest1572

expect1578

propose1584

propound1596

aima1616

scope1668

to set up1691

aim1821

to go in for1835

to be out for1887

to be flat out for1930

target1966

shoot1967

1560 W. Maitland Let. 20 Jan. in W. Robertson Wks. (1824) III. App. ii. 121 Gif by zour frendly support..ze sall declare that not only sute ze not the ruyne off our country, but will [etc.].

1587 in D. Masson Reg. Privy Council Scotl. (1881) 1st Ser. IV. 197 Minassing and avowing to sute the lyveis of his tennentis.

c1590 J. Stewart Poems (1913) 218 His mercie great..Quhilk gif ȝe sute..Ȝit he vill led ȝow from that haples place.

1686 J. Renwick Let. 18 Feb. in A. Shields Life J. Renwick (1724) 232 He [sc. Christ] suites the Creatures Affection, as if it were of some Worth.

†11. transitive. Scottish. To pursue or follow (a person). Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > progressive motion > order of movement > following behind > follow [verb (transitive)]

followeOE

asuec1300

suec1300

underfollow1382

succeedc1485

ensue?a1500

suit1582

to traik after1818

trail1915

1582 in D. Masson Reg. Privy Council Scotl. (1880) 1st Ser. III. 525 The saidis personis..in lyke maner sutit Johnne Blak,..and wald have brokin up his durris.

c1590 J. Stewart Poems (1913) 69 The precelling Paladeine..In sutting him with diligence did tend Quhair thair occurs sic cursit canckerd cair.

12.

†a. transitive. Chiefly Scottish. Of a man: to engage in behaviour intended to persuade (a woman) to marry him; to court, woo. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > emotion > love > courtship or wooing > court or woo [verb (transitive)]

wooc1290

court1580

suitc1586

accourt1590

suitor1672

address1700

gallantize1728

philander1787

to stick up1830

spark1888

romance1931

lumber1938

society > society and the community > kinship or relationship > marriage or wedlock > seeking marriage > seek in marriage [verb (transitive)] > court or woo

wooc1290

court1580

suitc1586

accourt1590

sue1596

pretend1652

suitor1672

to make or pay (one's) court to1716

c1586 J. Stewart Poems (1913) 60 ‘Desist,’ sayis he, ‘sute not my ladie brycht.’

1615 R. Brathwait Loves Labyrinth 36 in Strappado Sewing, and suting Thysbe for his bride.

1630 S. Rutherford Lett. (1863) I. vii. 53 The Lord, who is suiting you in marriage.

a1639 J. Spottiswood Hist. Church Scotl. (1677) ii. 105 He was..sent Ambassador to..the Emperor, to suit his daughter Margaret in marriage.

a1698 W. Row Contin. in R. Blair Life (1848) (modernized text) xii. 527 Lady Margaret Kennedy had lived a virgin unmarried, (though suited by severals).

b. intransitive. Of a man: to engage in behaviour intended to persuade a woman to marry him. Now rare and chiefly archaic.

ΘΚΠ

society > society and the community > kinship or relationship > marriage or wedlock > seeking marriage > [verb (intransitive)] > be a suitor

wooa1050

sue?1507

suit?c1600

suitor1777

?c1600 A. Montgomerie Poems (1910) 221 First serve, syne sute,..gif thow intend to win thy ladyis grace.

1639 N. N. tr. J. Du Bosc Compl. Woman ii. 58 Iberina..who had a mind to as many men as suited unto her.

2016 C. R. Langley Worship, Civil War & Community, 1638–1660 ii. 58 The session dealt with a variety of cases of English soldiers suiting for marriage with local women in 1654.

†IV. To arrange in a set or in order, and related senses.

13. transitive. To arrange (several things) in a set, sequence, or series; to put in order, sort. Also with forth. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > relative position > arrangement or fact of being arranged > arrange [verb (transitive)]

stightc825

fadec1020

orderc1225

adightc1275

dightc1275

castc1320

raila1350

form1362

stightlea1375

rayc1380

informa1382

disposea1387

throwc1390

addressa1393

shifta1400

rengea1425

to set forth?c1450

rule1488

rummage1544

marshalc1547

place1548

suit1552

dispone1558

plat1587

enrange1590

draw1663

range1711

arrange1791

to lay out1848

1552 in Archaeologia Cantiana (1872) 8 104 Item iij bells in the steple suted.

1554 in A. Feuillerat Documents Office of Revels Edward VI (1914) 159 Svting performynge and puttinge the same in aredynes to be engrosed.

1586 A. Day Eng. Secretorie i. sig. M8^v Ther are letters also might be suted vnder this form.

1592 A. Day Eng. Secretorie (rev. ed.) i. sig. E2^v All which I referre to their peculiar places each one, as they are suted forth to be in their kinds deliuered.

1608 E. Topsell Hist. Serpents 270 As for separating,..carding, or suting their stuffe, they are very Bunglers.

1655 E. Terry Voy. E.-India 385 The Company sent the Mogol..an able Coach-man, to sute and mannage some of his excellent Horses.

1695 R. Blackmore Prince Arthur ii. 37 He..suits and ranges Natures that agree.

14. intransitive. Of people: to range themselves. Obsolete. rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > place > position or situation > be positioned or situated [verb (intransitive)] > take up position

to take (a tree) to stallc1275

pitch1535

range1582

suit1591

to take (up) (one's) station?1596

to fall in1627

to take ground1700

fix1710

to take one's (also a) perch1871

post1872

1591 H. Savile tr. Tacitus Ende of Nero: Fower Bks. Hist. i. 36 As the rest of the souldiers suted on sides.

V. To clothe, and related senses.

†15. transitive. Scottish. Perhaps: to equip. Obsolete.In quot. 1572 it is unclear exactly what blind man refers to, but it may be a hidden watchtower. The use of suit here may be a figurative extension of the sense ‘to clothe’ (although this is first attested slightly later: see sense 17), perhaps punning on blind man.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > possession > supply > provide or supply (something) [verb (transitive)] > provide or supply (a person or thing) with anything > equip or outfit

frameOE

dightc1275

fayc1275

graith1297

attire1330

purveyc1330

shapec1330

apparel1366

harnessc1380

ordaina1387

addressa1393

array1393

pare1393

feata1400

point1449

reparel?c1450

provide1465

fortify1470

emparel1480

appoint1490

deck?15..

equip1523

trim1523

accoutre1533

furnish1548

accommodate1552

fraught1571

suit1572

to furnish up1573

to furnish out1577

rig1579

to set out1585

equipage1590

outreik1591

befit1598

to furnish forth1600

fita1616

to fit up1670

outrig1681

to fit out1722

mount?1775

outfit1798

habilitate1824

arm1860

to fake out1871

heel1873

1572 Extracts Rec. in W. Chambers Charters Burgh Peebles (1872) 343 The counsale..ordanis ane blynd man to be suttit and quhat ressonabill compositioun thai mak to releif the sutour thairof; and ordanis Johne Hay, James Hoppringill [etc.]..to sut diligently the said blind man.

16.

a. transitive (reflexive). To dress oneself; to provide oneself with clothing. Now somewhat archaic.

ΘΚΠ

the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > providing with clothing > provide with clothing [verb (reflexive)]

buska1350

arraya1400

richc1400

to make ready?a1425

enhabitc1485

revestera1500

dress1533

suit1576

rig1662

1576 R. Peterson tr. G. della Casa Galateo 110 I could neuer commend King Manfrede, Whoe euer more vsed, to suite him selfe in greene. Wee must then haue a care, that our apparell be not onely wel made for the bodie: but that it be meete for our calling.

1609 S. Rowlands Famous Hist. Guy Earle of Warwick 23 My Armour shall be black! I'le suit me in a mournful Iron-shell.

a1616 W. Shakespeare As you like It (1623) i. iii. 115 Were it not better..That I did suite me all points like a man?

1624 T. Heywood Γυναικεῖον i. 25 Any man that hath bought cloath to suite himself.

1822 W. Jameson in Mem. & Lett. (1845) 80 One who suits himself only once a year.

1992 A. F. Eagle Alcatraz! Alcatraz! 24 I outfitted my small son Addie with the head of a fox-fur stole I'd found at a Goodwill store and suited myself in a turkey-feather approximation of something Chippewa.

b. transitive. To provide (a person) with a suit of clothes; to clothe, dress. Chiefly in passive. Now somewhat archaic.

ΘΚΠ

the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > providing with clothing > provide with clothing [verb (transitive)]

wrya901

clothec950

shride971

aturnc1220

begoa1225

array1297

graith1297

agraithc1300

geara1325

cleadc1325

adightc1330

apparel1362

back1362

shape1362

attirea1375

parela1375

tirea1375

rayc1390

addressa1393

coverc1394

aguisea1400

scredea1400

shrouda1400

bedightc1400

buskc1400

harnessc1400

hatterc1400

revesta1449

able1449

dressa1450

reparel?c1450

adub?1473

endue?a1475

afaite1484

revestera1500

beclothe1509

trimc1516

riga1535

invest1540

vesture1555

suit1577

clad1579

investure1582

vest1582

deck1587

habit1594

to make ready1596

caparison1597

skin1601

shadow1608

garment1614

riga1625

raiment1656

garb1673

equip1695

to fit out1722

encase1725

tog1793

trick1821

to fig out1825

enclothe1832

toilet1842

to get up1858

habilitate1885

tailor1885

kit1919

1577 R. Stanyhurst Hist. Irelande iii. 105/2 in R. Holinshed Chron. I He woulde not..buy a sute of apparell for himselfe, but hee woulde sute hir [sc. his wife] with the same stuffe.

1599 T. Heywood 1st Pt. King Edward IV sig. B^v Birchin lane shall sute vs.

1600 W. Shakespeare Merchant of Venice i. ii. 71 How odly hee is suted, I thinke he bought his doublet in Italie.

a1661 T. Fuller Worthies (1662) Cambr. 161 I will suit you (if so pleased,) with a light habit.

1829 J. Sterling Ess. & Tales (1848) I. 85 More solemnly suited with black, he was placed in a room hung round with faded green.

1887 Pall Mall Gaz. 12 Feb. 4/1 No caparisoned beasts..suited in burnished mail..but sturdy steeds.

2015 P. Graeme-Evans Wild Wood 86 The look on my brother's face was grim, and he was suited in a steel hauberk.

†c. transitive. figurative and in figurative contexts: to provide with metaphorical clothing of the specified kind. Chiefly in passive. Obsolete.

ΚΠ

1589 T. Nashe Anat. Absurditie Ep. Ded. sig. ¶iii^v Fortune..suted poore Flaunders and Fraunce in her frownes, & saluted Englands soule with a smoothed forehead.

1594 J. Dickenson Arisbas To Rdr. sig. A iij^v His Fame..suted in robes of immortalitie,..towres to the cloudes.

1628 G. Wither Britain's Remembrancer ii. 55 Yea, many times he suites His Deity in our poore attributes.

1633 Bp. J. Hall Plaine Explic. Hard Texts i. 363 Wherefore then, O Saviour, art thou thus suited in crimson, & dyed red with blood?

†17. transitive. To provide (a person) with something or someone. Chiefly in passive (or reflexive): to be provided (or provide oneself) with something desired, in such a manner as to please or satisfy one. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > emotion > pleasure > contentment or satisfaction > be contented [verb (reflexive)]

to content one's mind1502

suit1590

the mind > possession > supply > provide or supply (something) [verb (transitive)] > provide or supply (a person or thing) with anything > with what is suitable

accommodate1582

suit1590

mate1594

commode1636

1590 T. Lodge Rosalynde: Euphues Golden Legacie sig. D3^v Montanus suted himselfe with the cost of many of his flocks to be gallant against that day.

1642 D. Rogers Naaman 45 God..sutes the one with willingnesse to be holpen, and the other with readinesse to helpe.

1782 W. Cowper John Gilpin 58 'Twas long before the customers Were suited to their mind.

1846 C. Dickens Dombey & Son (1848) ii. 9 I hope you are suited, my dear.

1852 W. M. Thackeray Henry Esmond III. iii. 97 I am thinking of retiring into the plantations, and..if I want company, suiting myself with a squaw.

Phrases

P1. to suit the action to the word and variants: to do what one has stated; to carry out a promise, threat, etc.

ΚΠ

1604 W. Shakespeare Hamlet iii. ii. 17 Sute the action to the word, the word to the action.

1865 C. Dickens Our Mutual Friend II. iv. xiv. 281 ‘I mean to knock your head against the wall,’ returned John Harmon, suiting his action to his words, with the heartiest good will.

1966 G. Greene Comedians i. i. 13 ‘I don't touch it myself,’ Jones said. ‘I drink it,’ and he suited the action to the words.

2001 M. Jennings Poor Tom is Cold (2012) xiii. 120 ‘I just want to get back to sleep, if you don't mind.’ She suited her actions to her words and quickly got into bed and under the covers.

P2. colloquial. suit yourself: do (or think) as you please. Chiefly used (typically in response to a statement) to express disinterest or annoyance: ‘have it your way’, ‘please yourself’.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > will > wish or inclination > wish or be disposed or inclined [verb] > do as one wishes

to have (also get, take) one's (own) way1549

to take one's willc1565

to have everything one's own way1653

to have it all one's own way1653

to do one's (own) thing1841

suit yourself1860

1860 C. Carrol Mary Payson's Trials ii, in Ladies' Repository Sept. 526/2 Mr. Grey..ending, as he always did with any piece of advice, with, ‘however, suit yourself.’

1897 R. Kipling Captains Courageous i. 21 ‘You stole it.’ ‘Suit yourself. We stole it ef it's any comfort to you.’

1932 W. Faulkner Light in August xxi. 478 ‘I reckon I'll ride back here,’ she says... ‘Suit yourself,’ I says. And we drove off.

1953 K. Tennant Joyful Condemned xiii. 120 ‘Just suit yourself.’ Miss Pilcher shrugged her broad shoulders.

2013 C. Tsiolkas Barracuda (2014) 161 ‘What about Coach?’.. Wilco whispered, ‘No, I can only get one of you upgraded.’ ‘Then no, thanks.’ ‘Suit yourself.’

P3. to suit a person's book: see book n. Phrases 2n.

Phrasal verbs

With adverbs in specialized senses. to suit up

1. Originally and chiefly North American. Cf. suited-up adj. (a) at suited adj.¹ Compounds 1.

a. transitive. To provide (a person) with a set of clothes or garment (such as a spacesuit, wetsuit, etc.) designed or required for a particular activity or occupation; to dress (a person) in a set of clothes or garment of such a type; frequently in passive. Also reflexive. Cf. kit v.¹ 2.In passive use often difficult to distinguish from predicative uses of the corresponding adjective (suited-up adj. (a) at suited adj.¹ Compounds 1).

ΘΚΠ

the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > providing with clothing > provide with clothing [verb (transitive)] > in specific way > with specific garments > other

wimple?c1225

pricka1275

clothe1382

addressa1393

haspc1400

to-cloutc1430

shirtc1450

gownc1485

tuft1535

passement1539

kerchief1600

muff1607

inshirt1611

insmock1611

mode1656

costume1802

slop1803

shawl1812

cravat1818

sur-invest1827

frock1828

pinafore1843

smock1847

panoply1851

underclothe1857

upholster1873

fancy dress1878

sleeve1887

to suit up1912

crinoline1915

1912 Lawrence (Kansas) Daily Jrnl.-World 28 Feb. 4/2 Last year the team looked like a bunch of rag muffins and the University and students should see to it that the Baker team is suited up in the right manner this year.

1945 M. H. Allee Smoke Jumper iii. 24 A man suited up for smoke jumping would almost as soon fall into the fire itself as into deep water.

1970 New Yorker 24 Oct. 140/3 Yale suited up sixty men, including four quarterbacks.

1979 Tucson (Arizona) Mag. Apr. 66 (advt.) Dave Bloom and Sons will suit you up for all your active sport needs.

2007 Illawarra (Austral.) Mercury (Nexis) 9 Feb. (News section) 13 At 8am they came with a truck and suited themselves up, and by 8.30 they were pulling pieces off the house.

2019 @KaliSky_ 16 May in twitter.com (accessed 15 July 2019) For the skills work we were suited up with all the diving equipment & worked on figuring out the respirator & mask.

b. intransitive. To dress oneself in a set of clothes or garment (such as a spacesuit, wetsuit, etc.) designed or required for a particular activity or occupation.

ΘΚΠ

the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > providing with clothing > provide with clothing [verb (intransitive)] > in specific way > in specific clothing

to cover (one's head)c1340

boot1600

to be covered1611

to put on1611

robea1626

cloak1774

wrap1847

tuck1888

gown1896

flannel1919

to suit up1927

to dress down1941

1927 Ada (Okla.) Evening News 31 Aug. 2/3 We rested until 8:00 when we suited up for our first workout.

1967 Boston Sunday Herald 30 Apr. i. 22/2 Jim Lyle headed for the flight line to suit up for a routine mission aboard one of the giant radar picket planes.

1978 G. A. Sheehan Running & Being xv. 206 He will suit up and get out on the roads.

2015 N.Y. Times (National ed.) 31 May (Style section) 7/1 We suited up in the sand and headed in, me on an 11-foot soft-top surfboard.

2. Originally and chiefly North American. Cf. suited-up adj. (b) at suited adj.¹ Compounds 1.

a. transitive. In passive (or reflexive). To be dressed (or dress oneself) smartly, in a suit.In passive use often difficult to distinguish from predicative uses of the corresponding adjective (suited-up adj. (b) at suited adj.¹ Compounds 1).

ΚΠ

1964 Investig. Assassination President J. F. Kennedy: Hearings before President's Comm. VIII. 251 This particular instance he [sc. Oswald] was suited up; white shirt, dark suit, dark tie.

2000 Guardian (Nexis) 13 Dec. (Features section) 12 I nervously found Drew, who was suited up.

2005 K. George Winter's Tales iv. 167 Half-dressed, he does not think he can bear to ‘suit himself up’ for the evening.

2017 J. Markert Angels' Share ii. 23 Since Henry died, every morning after he suited himself up from wing tips and spats to suspenders and tie, he'd sit in the La-Z-Boy all day.

b. intransitive. To dress oneself smartly, in a suit.

ΚΠ

1971 College Student Jrnl. (Calif.) 5 31/2 The traditional assumption that it is desirable for staff members to ‘suit up’.

1979 Washington Post (Nexis) 15 May b5 When I get up, with the hours before I have to suit up for the office, I plunge into my housekeeping.

2014 Herald Sun (Austral.) (Nexis) 10 Mar. (News section) 6 Not usually everyday wear, it will be a fashion faux pas tomorrow not to suit up for Tuxedo Tuesday.

This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2020; most recently modified version published online June 2022).

单词	suit
释义	suitn. Brit. /suːt/, /sjuːt/, U.S. /sut/ Forms: α. Middle English seude (transmission error), Middle English sevte, Middle English sewht, Middle English sieut, Middle English siewte, Middle English siute, Middle English siwte, Middle English sott, Middle English sout, Middle English soute, Middle English sowte, Middle English soyte, Middle English suttes (plural), Middle English swt, Middle English swtte, Middle English sywete, Middle English sywte, Middle English sywyte, Middle English–1500s seute, Middle English–1500s sote, Middle English–1500s suete, Middle English–1500s suyt, Middle English–1500s suytt, Middle English–1500s suytte, Middle English–1500s swete, Middle English 1600s seut, Middle English–1600s sewt, Middle English–1600s sewte, Middle English–1600s suet, Middle English–1600s sut, Middle English–1600s svte, Middle English–1600s swte, Middle English–1700s suyte, Middle English–1800s suite, late Middle English swth (perhaps transmission error), late Middle English– suit, 1500s sewet, 1500s sewett, 1500s–1600s sewit, 1500s soote, 1500s suettes (plural), 1500s sueyt, 1500s suitt, 1500s suitte, 1500s sutt, 1500s swyte, 1600s sutte, 1600s–1700s zuit (English regional), Middle English–1700s (1800s English regional) sute; Scottish pre-1700 seit, pre-1700 seut, pre-1700 seute, pre-1700 sewt, pre-1700 sewte, pre-1700 soit, pre-1700 soite, pre-1700 soittis (plural), pre-1700 soot, pre-1700 soote, pre-1700 sote, pre-1700 soultis (plural), pre-1700 sout, pre-1700 sowittis (plural), pre-1700 sowttis (plural), pre-1700 soyite, pre-1700 soyt, pre-1700 soyte, pre-1700 soyth, pre-1700 soytt, pre-1700 suet, pre-1700 suett, pre-1700 suitt, pre-1700 suitte, pre-1700 sut, pre-1700 suth, pre-1700 sutt, pre-1700 sutte, pre-1700 suyte, pre-1700 suyth, pre-1700 suyttis (plural), pre-1700 swit, pre-1700 swite, pre-1700 switt, pre-1700 swt, pre-1700 swte, pre-1700 swtte, pre-1700 swyt, pre-1700 swyte, pre-1700 swyttis (plural), pre-1700 1700s suite, pre-1700 1700s sute, pre-1700 1700s– suit, 1800s seet (north-eastern). β. 1500s shutt, 1500s shutte, 1500s–1700s shute, 1600s shoot, 1600s shuett, 1600s shuite; Scottish pre-1700 showtt, pre-1700 shuet, pre-1700 shut, pre-1700 shutt, pre-1700 1800s shute, 1800s– shoot; Irish English (northern) 1800s– shoot, 1800s– shuit. Origin: A borrowing from French. Etymons: French siute, seute, suite. Etymology: < Anglo-Norman siute, siwte, suete, sute, seut, suit, Anglo-Norman and Middle French seute, seutte, sieute, suitte, Anglo-Norman and Middle French, French suite action of suing in a court of law (c1150 in Old French), group of followers, retinue (c1185 or earlier), pursuit, chase (1275 or earlier), family, household (c1300 or earlier), number of things forming a definite set (1351), pursuit of an object or quest (late 14th cent.), set of clothes (late 14th cent.), suite of rooms (c1590), in Anglo-Norman also attendance by a tenant at his or her lord's court (1259 or earlier; more fully siute de curt ), application, request to initiate legal proceedings (1275 or earlier), mill dues (c1300 or earlier), dues, payment of dues (both a1321 or earlier), right to bring an action (first half of the 14th cent. or earlier), inquiry, request (end of the 14th cent.) < an unattested post-classical Latin form sequita , use as noun of feminine past participle of sequere* to follow (see sue v.). Compare suite n., a later reborrowing of the French noun.The post-classical Latin equivalent of suit in various senses was secta (see sect n.¹, set n.²); senses of this noun relevant to English suit include: pursuit, chase, progeny, family, obligation of a tenant to attend at his or her lord's court (frequently from 12th cent. in British sources), lawsuit, action at law, retinue (frequently from 13th cent. in British sources), set of clothes, uniform, livery (frequently from 14th cent. in British sources). Compare also ( < French) post-classical Latin seuta , suita obligation of a tenant to attend at his or her lord's court (12th cent. in British sources), prosecution, legal process (14th cent. in a British source). Specific forms. In the (now regional) β. forms, assibilation of /sj/ (from earlier /si/) to /ʃ/ is reflected in the spelling. On this assibilation compare discussion in E. J. Dobson Eng. Pronunc. 1500–1700 (ed. 2, 1968) II. §185 and §388. Specific phrases. With in suit in the specific sense ‘in harmony with, uniform’ (see sense 11) and in suit with at Phrases 1b compare later en suite adv. Distinction from suite n. suite n. shows a later reborrowing of the same French noun, in a partially overlapping set of meanings. Middle English instances of suite and similar spellings have been placed at this entry, rather than at suite n.; instances from later than 1500 have been placed at suite n. when they are in senses normally realized by suite in modern-day English, but have otherwise been retained at this entry. I. Pursuit, prosecution, and related senses. †1. a. Pursuit, chase. Also: an instance of this; a pursuit. Obsolete.In quot. c1300 in with great suit: at great speed, at a rapid pace. ΘΚΠ the world > movement > progressive motion > order of movement > following behind > [noun] > pursuit chase1297 suitc1300 pursuita1387 chasingc1440 prosecution1567 dogging1611 pursuement1615 followinga1649 pursuance1648 pursual1797 c1300 St. James Great (Laud) l. 263 in C. Horstmann Early S.-Eng. Legendary (1887) 42 Þo huy come with-oute toune a luyte, þis luþere man aftur cam, hotinde out, with grete siwte. a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) l. 2392 Lest þe segges wold haue sesed here seute to folwe. a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) viii. l. 2930 (MED) Thou miht noght make suite and chace, Wher that the game is nought pernable. 1486 Bk. St. Albans sig. ev When he after foode makyth any sute. 1576 G. Gascoigne Princelye Pleasures Kenelwoorth (1821) 2 Though haste say On, let sute obtain some stay. 1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene iii. xi. sig. Nn2 He soone resinde His former suit. 1609 J. Skene tr. Stat. David II in Regiam Majestatem 40 Gif the suet, or bruit of three baronies follow any man for reif, theift, or any other trespas. b. Hunting. The scent or (perhaps) the quarry. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > food and drink > hunting > thing hunted or game > [noun] > scent scentc1422 suit1579 foot scent1735 1579 H. Heron Kayes of Counsaile i. 9 And is it not a scornefull thing y^t a man should teach his Horse ye manedge & carere..or hound to follow the suite of a striken Deere. 1593 T. Lodge Phillis (Hunterian Club) 48 Like hungrie houndes that lately lost their suite. 1644 K. Digby Two Treat. i. xxxvii. 319 Our houndes that follow a suite of bloud. 2. a. The action of suing in a court of law; legal prosecution; (formerly also) †litigation (obsolete).See also to go to suit at Phrases 1e, at suit at Phrases 1d. [This sense perhaps arises partly from a shortening of suit of court (see quot. a1400 and compare sense 7); but it was fully developed in Anglo-Norman, e.g. a nostre sute, par autri sute (both late 13th cent. in Britton).] ΘΚΠ society > law > administration of justice > court proceedings or procedure > action of courts in claims or grievances > [noun] > litigation or going to law pleadingc1275 suita1325 suing1440 persecution1466 processing1478 lawingc1485 prosecution1590 litigation1661 soliciting1709 impleading1878 a1325 Statutes of Realm (2011) v. 6 Ant ȝif a ne cometh noȝt, þanne a sullen ben iiuged ase for ateint, ant sullen ȝelde duble, þoru þe siwte of þe king, to hoem þat habbeth ihaued þene harm. a1400 in K. W. Engeroff Untersuchung ‘Usages of Winchester’ (1914) 92 Whos paye y-maked by skore oþer by scryt oþer by sywete..and ȝif he lete seude [read lede seute], his aduersaryȝe habbe his defens op-on on riȝt of londe. 1478 Rolls of Parl.: Edward IV (Electronic ed.) Parl. Jan. 1478 §28. m. 3 That..no styward..hold plee uppon any action, atte sute of any persone. a1513 R. Fabyan New Cronycles Eng. & Fraunce (1516) II. f. iii^v All Prysoners y^t lay in any pryson about london at the Kynges sute. 1558 Bp. T. Watson Holsome Doctr. Seuen Sacramentes xxviii. f. clxxii Grudge, hatred, and sute betwene the parties and theyr frendes. a1616 W. Shakespeare Comedy of Errors (1623) iv. iv. 132 Whose suite is he arrested at? View more context for this quotation 1768 W. Blackstone Comm. Laws Eng. iii. 22 The redress of injuries by suit in courts. 1817 J. Mill Hist. Brit. India II. v. ii. 379 At the suit of a native, he was taken up on a charge of forgery. 2014 Yale Law & Policy Rev. 33 231 Enforcement actions may be triggered by the improper conduct of individual employees, but sanctions are likely to be levied against the entire corporation by suit or settlement. †b. The prosecution of a cause. Also: the action of applying to be granted a writ. Obsolete. suit of the King's peace and variants: prosecution for breaching the King's peace. ΘΚΠ society > law > administration of justice > process, writ, warrant, or order > [noun] > writ > seeking to obtain writ suing1440 suit1445 society > law > administration of justice > court proceedings or procedure > action of courts in claims or grievances > [noun] > litigation or going to law > prosecution of a cause suit1445 society > law > administration of justice > court proceedings or procedure > action of courts in claims or grievances > [noun] > a lawsuit > other types of action mort d'ancestora1325 trespass on the case1429 action of detinue1467 mortancestry1471 replevin1515 non-finding1525 nisi prius1533 faint action1542 interpleadera1558 improbationc1575 assize1577 assumpsit1586 transitory action1594 trover1594 suit of the King's peace1607 detinuea1626 quia timet1628 choke-baila1637 reprobator1672 spulyie1678 petitory action1681 proprium1695 restitution of conjugal rights1720 amicable suit1768 noxal action1774 real action1818 witness action1892 class suit1894 non-jury1897 foreclosure action1905 class action1910 derivative action1934 paternity suit1945 1445–6 Rolls of Parl.: Henry VI (Electronic ed.) Parl. Feb. 1445 §38. m. 6 That..all such pluries, capias and exigent so awarded..be anulled..and no persone..be in any wise hurt..without any sute of writte of errour. a1525 ( Coventry Leet Bk. (1908) II. 376 What demene shuld be taken ffor the mater betwen the Cite and Will. Briscowe, And for the Costes and expenses of the suyt þerof. a1538 T. Starkey Dial. Pole & Lupset (1989) 127 The longe sute of causys in the court at westurmasture. 1544 in I. S. Leadam Select Cases Court of Requests (1898) 96 Duryng the suete of ther case. 1563 in J. H. Burton Reg. Privy Council Scotl. (1877) 1st Ser. I. 251 Compellit to leif the soit of thair saidis caussis. 1607 J. Cowell Interpreter sig. Rrr2/2 Suyte of the Kings peace..is the persiewing of a man for breach of the K. peace, by treasons, insurrections, rebellions, or trespasses. 1681 Whole Series of All transacted in House of Peers conc. Popish Plot 125 His Majesty willed and granted that the said Letters patents and the said pardon, And also suit of his Majesties Peace..did or could belong, by reason or occasion of the premisses, or any of them. 3. a. A process instituted in a court of law for the recovery or protection of a right, the enforcement of a claim, or the redress of a wrong; a prosecution before a legal tribunal; = lawsuit n.See also to follow a suit at Phrases 2b. ΘΚΠ society > law > administration of justice > court proceedings or procedure > action of courts in claims or grievances > [noun] > a lawsuit speechc897 mootc1225 pleadingc1275 pleac1300 actiona1325 quarrela1325 suit1348 pursuit1380 sokena1387 process1395 plead1455 pleament1480 suit in law1530 ployc1600 suit in equity1604 suit in chancery1621 lawsuit1624 instance1654 legal action1656 lis1932 1348 in C. Welch Hist. Pewterers of London (1902) I. 4 Be he punished bi theire discrecion aftir his trespasse whan he is ateint atthe sute of the goode folke of his craft. 1445–6 Rolls of Parl.: Henry VI (Electronic ed.) Parl. Feb. 1445 §38. m. 6 Many dyvers persones bi singuler vemance and nothing of right..been by dyvers suets sued. 1562 in F. J. Furnivall Child-marriages, Divorces, & Ratifications Diocese Chester (1897) 71 She comensid a sute, and sekid for a divorce to be had bie the lawe betwixe them. 1611 R. Cotgrave Dict. French & Eng. Tongues at Guerre Qui a terre, si, a guerre: Prov., He that hath soyle hath suits. 1768 W. Blackstone Comm. Laws Eng. iii. 406 The courts..will allow of amendments at any time while the suit is depending. 1888 J. Bryce Amer. Commonw. II. xliv. 154 Ordinary private law..upon which nine-tenths of the suits between man and man are founded. 2018 M. Hanna-Attisha What Eyes don't See xv. 202 He files suits on behalf of immigrant workers for wage and hour violations. b. More fully, suit in law, suit at law, † suit of law, etc. Also with the court specified, as suit in chancery, suit in equity. ΘΚΠ society > law > administration of justice > court proceedings or procedure > action of courts in claims or grievances > [noun] > a lawsuit speechc897 mootc1225 pleadingc1275 pleac1300 actiona1325 quarrela1325 suit1348 pursuit1380 sokena1387 process1395 plead1455 pleament1480 suit in law1530 ployc1600 suit in equity1604 suit in chancery1621 lawsuit1624 instance1654 legal action1656 lis1932 1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement iii. f. lxviii^v Sute at the lawe or court, sieute. 1576 A. Fleming tr. C. Plinius Novocomensis in Panoplie Epist. 252 Busily occupied in matters of suites of lawe. 1604 F. Bacon Certaine Considerations Church of Eng. sig. C3^v We see before our eyes, that one Chauncellor of England dispatcheth the suites in equitie of the whole Kingdome. c1610–15 tr. St. Basil of Caesarea Life Holie Iulita in C. Horstmann Lives Women Saints (1886) 182 This woman had a suite in law against a principall man of the Cittie of Cæsarea. 1621 (title) The state of the suite in Chancerie, betweene Francis Verslyn..agaynst Peter Manning, Michael Palmer and theire wiues &c. defendants. 1726 Mist's Weekly Jrnl. 3 Sept. in Notes & Queries (1905) 10th Ser. 4 95/2 On Monday is to be determined a Suit of Law. 1845 J. Williams Princ. Law Real Prop. i. iii. 62 Actions at law and suits in equity. 1946 B. James in W. Murdoch & H. Drake-Brockman Austral. Short Stories (1951) 252 Threaten her with suit-at-law for wages unpaid. 2011 Rev. Econ. Stud. 78 693 Think of a suit at law, for instance: whatever is good news for one party tends to be bad news for the other. 4. a. The action of entreating or petitioning a person to do something; petitioning, supplication. Also: an instance of this; a petition, supplication, or entreaty; esp. a petition made to a king or other person in authority. In later use frequently poetic.Frequently in † to make suit: to make an entreaty or petition to (or unto) a person, esp. for something or to do something (obsolete).See also to follow a suit at Phrases 2b. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > request > [noun] > earnest request or entreaty > beseeching or importuning beseechinga1350 suit1372 beggingc1380 pursuita1393 supplicationa1393 cravingc1430 entreating1525 solicitation1533 entreatance1548 precation1548 suiting1560 soliciting1570 imploration1575 importuning1582 implore1590 suing1591 treating1595 exoration1610 implorement1611 imploring1611 suppliance?1611 importunement1665 solicitancy1665 beseechmenta1680 instancing1736 suppliancy1812 beg1814 clamouring1884 opportuning1972 the mind > language > speech > request > make a request [verb (intransitive)] > to, of, or upon someone clepec825 cryc1290 to pray (one) of a boon1393 to call on ——a1400 to seek on (also upon)a1400 to call upon ——c1405 sue1405 supplicate1417 peala1425 labour1442 to make suit1447–8 supply1489 suit1526 appeal1540 apply1554 incalla1572 invocate1582 beg1600 palaver1859 1372 in C. Brown Relig. Lyrics 14th Cent. (1924) 87 Þi moder seet Hou wo þe beet..To hire þu speke, Hire sorwe to sleke–Suet suet [emended in ed. to suet sute] wan þin herte. a1426 in Cal. Proc. Chancery Queen Elizabeth (1827) I. Introd p. xix A suete wyche the foresaide suppliant had before yowe ayens on John Bonyngton..by vertu of a writt sub pena, for to awenswer before yowe to certeins..debates movyd betwyn thame two. 1447–8 in S. A. Moore Lett. & Papers J. Shillingford (1871) ii. 81 The sayde Mayer and Citeseyns made sute to..Maister Harry..praying hym of his gode frendship to helpe to refourme this wronge. a1535 T. More Hist. Richard III in Wks. (1557) 58/2 This pore Lady made humble sute vnto y^e king, y^t she might be restored vnto such smal landes as [etc.]. 1554–5 Act 1 & 2 Philip & Mary c. 8 in Statutes of Realm (1963) IV. i. 246 This our supplicacion directed to yo^r Majesties withe most humble sute, that it may..be exhibited to..the Lorde Cardinall Poole. 1592 T. Kyd Spanish Trag. iii. sig. G3^v The King sees me, and faine would heare my sute. 1601 Bp. W. Barlow Serm. Paules Crosse Martij 1600 2 As I neuer made sute to preach anywhere. 1608 W. Shakespeare King Lear vii. 61 This ancient ruffen..whose life I haue spar'd at sute of his gray-beard. View more context for this quotation 1657 A. Sparrow Rationale Bk. Common Prayer (new ed.) 76 When the Priest makes their suits, and they..say, Amen. 1738 J. Wesley Coll. Psalms & Hymns (new ed.) xlv. xvi Kings at his Feet shall cast their crown, And humble Suit for Mercy make. 1741 C. Middleton Hist. Life Cicero (1742) II. vi. 151 When Milo offered to drop his suit for the Consulship. 1859 Ld. Tennyson Elaine in Idylls of King 187 Lightly, her suit allow'd, she slipt away. 1871 R. W. Buchanan Drama of Kings iii. 396 Then the children of men..drank of the stream, but made suit For blessing no more than the brute. 1943 F. M. Stenton Anglo-Saxon Eng. v. 143 In 699 or 700 he brought his suit by proxy before Pope Sergius I. 2013 P. Jones Fires of Patriotism i. 1 The brief but intense period between the United States' declaration of war against Germany in early April 1917 and Germany's suit for peace in November of the following year. †b. In extended use: earnest search for or endeavour to obtain something. Chiefly with make. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > endeavour > [noun] > attempt to obtain purchasec1330 suitc1475 captation1523 prosecution1564 c1475 in F. J. Furnivall Early Eng. Poems & Lives Saints (1862) 140 (MED) Lord..thow are oonly my refute; To the for comfort I make my sute..Swete ihesu, miserere mei! a1568 R. Ascham Scholemaster (1570) i. f. 26 They make great hast to cum to her: they make great sute to serue her. 1613 S. Purchas Pilgrimage vii. i. 552 Corrivall vnto..Sennacherib, in sute for the Monarchie of the world. a1627 Sir J. Beaumont in E. Farr Sel. Poetry Reign James I (1848) 155 The fiends..Make sute to seaze him as their lawfull prey. †5. The pursuit of an object or quest; the action of following a particular person or cause. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > will > wish or inclination > desire > aspiration or ambition > [noun] > pursuit or striving (for) suit1400 affectingc1443 pursuit1636 pursuance1640 still hunt1843 1400 Inquisition Misc. (P.R.O.: C 145/276/14) [Stephen, prior of Launceston, and John Douna of Tavistock] weryn off þe seut and off wylle and off þe Treyson þat þe ȝeurl of Huntyngdon was attayntt þer Inne, and helpynge..ther to wyth alle her power. a1500 (?c1378) J. Wyclif Eng. Wks. (1880) 409 Siþen it mut nedis be synne to fayle fro suynge of crist, man shulde not fayle in þis suyt for god ne for ony creature. 1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene ii. vii. sig. S2^v In derdoing armes, And honours suit. 1596 E. Spenser Second Pt. Faerie Queene v. viii. 3 Suite of his auowed quest. View more context for this quotation a1876 C. Heavysege Saul vi. in Saul & Sel. Poems (1976) 164 To life let punishment Be limited; 'gainst none be urged the suit Of vengeance after death. 6. Behaviour by a man intended to persuade a woman to marry him; the action of seeking a woman's hand in marriage; courtship. Also: an instance of this. Now archaic.In early use frequently with make, and perhaps sometimes simply a contextual use of sense 4. ΘΚΠ the mind > emotion > love > courtship or wooing > [noun] wooingc1000 wouhlechec1230 wouhlechunga1250 love work?a1300 love-druryc1300 love playc1390 suitc1475 lovemakinga1500 loveshipc1500 suiting1568 courtship1600 courting1607 suitoringa1640 amouring1675 sparking1804 sprunting1823 lovering1848 twosing1940 society > society and the community > kinship or relationship > marriage or wedlock > seeking marriage > [noun] > seeking hand in marriage wooingc1000 wouhlechec1230 wouhlechunga1250 suitc1475 suiting1568 courtship1600 courting1607 suitoringa1640 c1475 Advice to Lovers in J. O. Halliwell Select. Minor Poems J. Lydgate (1840) 34 Now no man to me makethe ony sute! 1542 N. Udall in tr. Erasmus Apophthegmes i. f. 63^v She [sc. Penelope] had..thesame contynuall suite made vnto hir, by many ioyly ruffleyng wooers, to haue hir in mariage, she droue theim of all by this colour. c1610–15 Life Holie Kinesburge in C. Horstmann Lives Women Saints (1886) 73 Offa receyuing that message, did moste willinglie giue ouer his suite, ceasing to molest the virgin. a1715 Bp. G. Burnet Suppl. to Hist. Own Time (1902) ii. 480 After two years sute we were married. 1726 E. Fenton in A. Pope et al. tr. Homer Odyssey IV. xix. 164 Rebate your loves, each rival suit suspend. 1794 R. B. Sheridan Duenna (new ed.) ii. 41 Doubtless, that agreeable figure of his must have help'd his suit surprizingly. 1864 Ld. Tennyson Aylmer's Field in Enoch Arden, etc. 76 Sullen, defiant, pitying, wroth, return'd Leolin's rejected rivals from their suit. 2013 E. Cooper Raven's Shadow xxi. 225 Brooding on Ailric's suit for her hand, no doubt. II. Feudal Law. The obligation of attending a superior's court, and related senses. 7. a. Attendance at a superior's court. (a) Attendance by a tenant at the court of his or her lord. In full, suit of court. Now historical. ΚΠ c1325 (c1300) Chron. Robert of Gloucester (Calig.) l. 11154 Hii clupede sir Ion giffard þat siwte ssolde þer to To come oþer he ssolde in þe merci be ido. a1475 in A. Clark Eng. Reg. Godstow Nunnery (1905) i. 42 Vpon homage, relefe, warde, and sute of courte. 1597 J. Skene De Verborum Significatione at Sok Hee quha is oblished to giue Soyte in the Court of his Over-lorde. 1607 J. Cowell Interpreter sig. Nnn4/1, at Sectis non faciendis Women that for their dower ought not to performe suite of Court. 2000 Past & Present Aug. 41 The first three clauses of the Provisions of Westminster in October 1259 limited the duty of such attendance to tenants whose obligations were specified in charters of enfeoffment, or whose ancestors had performed suit before 1230. (b) Attendance of a person at the sheriff's court or tourn (tourn n.); attendance at the court leet (court leet n.). In full, suit real (royal, regal), (Scottish) common suit. Now historical. ΘΚΠ society > law > administration of justice > judicial body, assembly, or court > [noun] > feudal courts > attendance at suit1420 suit1452 suitinga1547 1452 in W. Fraser Mem. Maxwells of Pollok (1863) I. 170 The forsaid lord sal charter hym new with ward and releif, and to weyre soyte for him ande his airis for the forsaidis landis. 1473–4 in T. Dickson Accts. Treasurer Scotl. (1877) I. 5 A new infeodacione of his landis of Barnagehane..to be haldin of the King in warde and relef and commoune soyt. 1579 Rastell's Expos. Termes Lawes (new ed.) 175 Suit riall is when men come to the shirifes tourne or leete, to which court al men shal be compelled to come to know the lawes... And it is called rial suit because of their allegeance. 1618 J. Wilkinson Treat. Statutes conc. Coroners & Sherifes ii. 77 b All manner of persons which..owe suit royall to this court Leet. 1863 H. Cox Inst. Eng. Govt. i. viii. 104 The suitors or persons owing suit in the county courts or courts-baron of the King. 2012 Eng. Hist. Rev. 127 297 He was amerced for failure to make common suit at the cellarer's court at Crowle almost continuously from 1398 to 1403. †b. An instance of this; an act of attendance at the court of one's lord, at the sheriff's court or tourn, or at the court leet. Obsolete.See also to call the suits at Phrases 2a. ΘΚΠ society > law > administration of justice > judicial body, assembly, or court > [noun] > feudal courts > attendance at suit1420 suit1452 suitinga1547 1420 in L. Morsbach Mittelengl. Originalurkunden (1923) 7 (MED) iv d. be payut for all maner sewtus, seruis, presentus, frerentus, customes falling þer-to. c1460 in A. Clark Eng. Reg. Oseney Abbey (1907) 37 All maner sutes of Shires and Hundredes. a1500 in J. Raine Vol. Eng. Misc. N. Counties Eng. (1890) 59 Y^e..Burgese schall make bott ij suttes by y^e ȝer' to y^e sayd cowrtt. 1508 in M. Livingstone Reg. Secreti Sigilli Regum Scotorum (1908) I. 233 Dischargis him and his saidis landis of all soyttis, comperingis in justice-aris. 1534 G. Ferrers tr. Act 52 Henry III ix in tr. Bk. Magna Carta f. 22 For makyng sutes vnto y^e courtes of great lordes. 1592 in Reg. Mag. Sig. Scot. (1892) 91/1 With thrie swtis at thrie heid schireff courtis yeirlie. 8. suit and service and variants. a. Attendance at court and personal service due from a tenant to his or her lord (see service n.¹ 10). Also used to describe certain forms of tenure that involve this obligation. Also homage and suit, (Scottish) presence and suit, and variants. ΘΚΠ society > law > legal obligation > [noun] > obligations of tenants > other obligations of tenants bridgeworkOE bedrip1226 timber-lodec1400 suit and service1416 suling-man1440 presence and suit1504 homage and suit?a1509 sect of court1546 wood-carriage1557 suit service1579 sword-service1630 society > authority > subjection > service > feudal service > [noun] > suit and service suit and service1416 presence and suit1504 homage and suit?a1509 sect of court1546 suit service1579 c1379 in G. D. MacRae Early Sc. Texts (1975) No. 1 I graunt..at the forsayde Alayne & his ayris be fre of vmage soyte & al seruyse of the twa plewland of Nortoun. 1416 in H. M. Flasdieck Mittelengl. Originalurkunden (1926) 58 (MED) Y..didde my sewte and seruice to sir Thomas Colpeper, to his Courte of Benecrouche, and paied my rent. c1449 R. Pecock Repressor (1860) 299 He [sc. a priest] muste nedis comaunde and regne upon hise tenauntis, and thei muste needis obeie and do sewtis and seruicis to him. 1504 in C. Innes Liber Sancte Marie de Melros (1837) 601 That thaj aw na presence nor sute in the serref court of Hadingtoune for the said landis. ?a1509 in L. T. Smith Common-place Bk. 15th Cent. (1886) 157 They may do homage and sewte to my lord. 1654 J. Bramhall Just Vindic. Church of Eng. iv. 77 All Ecclesiasticall persons who held any possessions from the King in capite, were to do suit and service for the same as other Barons did. 1776 D. Dalrymple Ann. Scotl. I. 294 As a freeholder of Annandale, Bruce was bound to give suite and presence in the King's court held at Dumfries. 1824 W. Scott Redgauntlet III. v. 141 At a table above the rest..sat enthroned the youthful Sovereign himself..receiving the suit and homage of his subjects. 1857 I. Butt Transfer of Land 120 It was then the great Court Baron of the realm, in which the liegemen of the monarch were bound to do homage and suit. 2017 Eolas 10 34 The creation of manorial jurisdiction provided another revenue stream as tenants doing suit and service to the court-leet were liable to pay fines levied by the manorial court. †b. figurative, with reference to actions or behaviour likened to the feudal obligation of attendance and personal service. Obsolete. ΚΠ 1548 N. Udall in N. Udall et al. tr. Erasmus Paraphr. Newe Test. I. Acts Ep. Ded. f. i In tymes past the studyous wryters of bookes wer enforced with much highe suite and seruice to procure the fauoure and good wyll of prynces or other estates. c1585 R. Browne Answere to Cartwright 55 Hee shoulde rather loose his righte, then doe suite and homage to a Traytour. 1589 R. Greene Menaphon sig. H For all she hath let you flie like a Hawke that hath lost hir tyre; yet you meane to follow sute and seruice, though you get but a handfull of smoake to the bargaine. 1598 B. Yong tr. J. de Montemayor Diana 33 By being fauoured in some other place, where thy sutes & seruices may be more esteemed. 1851 T. De Quincey Sketch from Childhood in Hogg's Instructor New Ser. 6 150/2 I, being a cadet of my house, owed suit and service to him who was its head. 1881 Manch. Guard. 14 Feb. 5 Like many others who have done suit and service to this city. 1902 N. Chesson Aquamarines 134 Shrew-mice come To do me suit and service dumb. †9. A due paid in lieu of attendance at the court of a lord. Obsolete.See also suit groat n., suit silver n. at Compounds 2b. ΘΚΠ society > trade and finance > fees and taxes > impost, due, or tax > payment or service to feudal superior > [noun] > payment in lieu of service > in lieu of attendance at court suit1447 suit silver1518 suit groat1555 suitor fee1582 1447–8 in J. B. Paul Registrum Magni Sigilli Scotorum (1882) II. 106/2 The said Alex..sal pay the castel-warde and the soyte, and ane mark to Jhone of Prestoune. 1523 J. Fitzherbert Bk. Surueyeng xi. f. 14^v I shall..truely do and pay the sutes, customes, rentes, and seruyces that longeth thereto. 1527 Accts. St. John's Hosp., Canterbury (Canterbury Cathedral Archives: CCA-U13/4) Paid to Hoth Court for rent sute & loke vs. iiijd. a1563 V. Leigh Moste Profitable Sci. Surueying (1577) sig. G A Rente, or a Suite, maie bee sometymes paied out of a Mannour to a Hundred or Sheriues Tourne. 1660 Act 12 Charles II c. 24 §5 in Statutes of Realm (1963) V. 260 Any Rents certaine Herriots or Suites of Court belonging or incident to any former Tenure. 1904 Encycl. Forms & Precedents V. vi. 228 Free from incumbrances and freed and enfranchised from all customary and other fines suits heriots payments and manorial rights and services whatsoever. 10. The obligation of a tenant to grind his or her grain at a particular mill; the grinding of grain by a tenant in accordance with this obligation. Cf. sucken n.¹ 1. Now historical. ΘΚΠ society > law > legal obligation > [noun] > obligations of tenants > to have corn ground at particular mill sokenc1386 sucken1423 suitc1460 suit dutyc1460 thirl1564 astriction1619 suckening1636 c1460 in A. Clark Eng. Reg. Oseney Abbey (1907) 74 (MED) Knowe ȝe all vs to haue quyte-claymed..þe Sute of þere men in Eton and Cudeslawe..þe which Sute þey had i-woned to doo of Olde to owr Mylle. 1545 in I. S. Leadam Select Cases Court of Requests (1898) 183 The complaynaunt..hath..prevely withedrawen his sute from the said milles & ground his Corne away from thence. 1591 in F. Collins Wills & Admin. Knaresborough Court Rolls (1902) I. 175 Dareley mylne, with the soken and suite there to belonginge. 1622 E. Misselden Free Trade 58 That restraint of the common liberty, which we call Suit of Mill. 1768 W. Blackstone Comm. Laws Eng. iii. 235 Such is that of doing suit to another's mill. 1903 J. Dowden Chartulary Abbey Lindores Introd. p. lxxxvi Suit and multure which the abbot claimed from tenants of the nuns on their lands of Kynhard. 2013 Agric. Hist. Rev. 61 354/2 Even at this late stage, when other lords were starting to abandon their attempts to enforce suit at mill, Hexham's lord still noted that tenants owed suit of the lord's water mill at Hexham. †III. A uniform or livery; a sort, kind, or class. 11. a. A uniform or livery; (also, more generally) an outfit. Chiefly in in or of (a) suit: wearing clothing of the same type, colour, etc. Also figurative. Obsolete.See also Phrases 1b(b).For use referring to a set of outer clothes intended to be worn together, see sense 24.In quot. c1400² with reference to Christ taking on human form. ΘΚΠ the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > [noun] clothesc888 hattersOE shroudc1000 weedOE shrouda1122 clothc1175 hatteringa1200 atourc1220 back-clout?c1225 habit?c1225 clothingc1275 cleadinga1300 dubbinga1300 shroudinga1300 attirec1300 coverturec1300 suitc1325 apparel1330 buskingc1330 farec1330 harness1340 tire1340 backs1341 geara1350 apparelmentc1374 attiringa1375 vesturec1385 heelinga1387 vestmentc1386 arraya1400 graitha1400 livery1399 tirementa1400 warnementa1400 arrayment1400 parelc1400 werlec1400 raiment?a1425 robinga1450 rayc1450 implements1454 willokc1460 habiliment1470 emparelc1475 atourement1481 indumenta1513 reparel1521 wearing gear1542 revesture1548 claesc1550 case1559 attirement1566 furniture1566 investuring1566 apparelling1567 dud1567 hilback1573 wear1576 dress1586 enfolding1586 caparison1589 plight1590 address1592 ward-ware1598 garnish1600 investments1600 ditement1603 dressing1603 waith1603 thing1605 vestry1606 garb1608 outwall1608 accoutrementa1610 wearing apparel1617 coutrement1621 vestament1632 vestiment1637 equipage1645 cask1646 aguise1647 back-timbera1656 investiture1660 rigging1664 drapery1686 vest1694 plumage1707 bussingc1712 hull1718 paraphernalia1736 togs1779 body clothing1802 slough1808 toggery1812 traps1813 garniture1827 body-clothes1828 garmenture1832 costume1838 fig1839 outfit1840 vestiture1841 outer womana1845 outward man1846 vestiary1846 rag1855 drag1870 clo'1874 parapherna1876 clobber1879 threads1926 mocker1939 schmatte1959 vine1959 kit1989 the world > relative properties > relationship > uniformity > uniform or to match [phrase] in or of (a) suitc1325 in suit of or with1389 of a suit1389 in suit with1488 the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > wearing clothing > [adverb] > in specific way to (also into, unto) one's (also the) shirtc1300 in or of (a) suitc1325 in ragsa1350 in (also on) one's shirtc1380 in suit of or with1389 thinlya1400 in suit with1488 finely?1552 raggedly1552 smoothly1579 garish1590 briskly1592 in one's waistcoat1607 in mourning1621 in cuerpoa1640 in gala1757 airily1768 plain1808 in mufti1816 in, on one's stocking-soles1827 seedily1837 in beaver1840 back to front1869 dowdily1887 dossily1903 head-to-toe1946 sharp1951 sharply1965 understatedly1972 the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > [noun] > for specific people > for members of a body or association suitc1325 uniform1836 harness1891 c1325 (c1300) Chron. Robert of Gloucester (Calig.) l. 3950 A þousend kniȝtes..Of noble men ycloþed in ermine echon Of o sywte. 1389 in J. T. Smith & L. T. Smith Eng. Gilds (1870) 3 Þe brethren and sustren..shul be cloþed in suyt. c1400 (?a1300) Kyng Alisaunder (Laud) (1952) l. 182 (MED) Forþ she ferde myd her route, A þousande lefdyes of riche soute. c1400 (c1378) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Laud 581) (1869) B. v. l. 495 God..þat..in owre sute deydest On godefryday for mannes sake. a1475 (?1445) J. Lydgate Minor Poems (1911) i. 374 Edmund of Pounteney, now in ȝovre sute, I wold þat I were..Wheþer hit were coloure whyte, rede, or blewe. 1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry IV f. xxij^v Three other appareled in the kynges suite and clothyng. 1565 T. Stapleton Fortresse of Faith f. 92 Any protestant of what so euer cote or sute he be. 1588 W. Lambarde Eirenarcha (new ed.) iv. iv. 439 If any company of men..haue made any one generall sute of cloth..to be knowen by. a1634 W. Austin Devotionis Augustinianæ Flamma (1635) 104 These Sisters goe all in a Suite..: They are all in Greene. b. in or of suit (and variants): (esp. of clothes) of the same colour or material; that is uniform or matching. Also in suit of or with: uniform with; matching. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > relationship > uniformity > uniform or to match [phrase] in or of (a) suitc1325 in suit of or with1389 of a suit1389 in suit with1488 the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > wearing clothing > [adverb] > in specific way to (also into, unto) one's (also the) shirtc1300 in or of (a) suitc1325 in ragsa1350 in (also on) one's shirtc1380 in suit of or with1389 thinlya1400 in suit with1488 finely?1552 raggedly1552 smoothly1579 garish1590 briskly1592 in one's waistcoat1607 in mourning1621 in cuerpoa1640 in gala1757 airily1768 plain1808 in mufti1816 in, on one's stocking-soles1827 seedily1837 in beaver1840 back to front1869 dowdily1887 dossily1903 head-to-toe1946 sharp1951 sharply1965 understatedly1972 1389 in J. T. Smith & L. T. Smith Eng. Gilds (1870) 43 Alle ye bretheren and systeren han a lyuere of sute. c1400 (?c1380) Pearl l. 1108 Alle in sute her liureȝ wasse. c1400 (?c1390) Sir Gawain & Green Knight (1940) l. 191 Þe tayl & his toppyng twynnen of a sute. 1433 Petition in Rotuli Parl. (1767–77) IV. 477/1 And the Styward..have..a Robe in sute of the Baylyffs. 1558 in A. Feuillerat Documents Office of Revels Queen Elizabeth (1908) 45 vi payer of undersleves of the same stuff and sute. 12. A style of workmanship or design; a pattern or (occasionally) colour. Chiefly in prepositional phrases with of. Obsolete.In later use often difficult to distinguish from use referring to a set of objects (see sense 20). ΘΚΠ the world > space > shape > [noun] hue971 shapec1050 form1297 casta1300 entailc1320 fashionc1320 featurec1325 tailc1325 suitc1330 figuringc1385 figure1393 makinga1398 fasurec1400 facea1402 makec1425 proportionc1425 figuration?a1475 protracture1551 physiognomy1567 set1567 portraiturea1578 imagerya1592 model1597 plasmature1610 figurature1642 scheme1655 morphosis1675 turn1675 plasma1712 mould1725 format1936 the world > existence and causation > creation > [noun] > style of creation or construction shaft888 suitc1330 generationa1382 makinga1398 frame?1520 workmanship1578 imagerya1592 model1597 fabricaturec1600 builtc1615 fabric1644 module1649 get-up1857 fashioning1870 the world > relative properties > kind or sort > [noun] > of construction or composition shaft888 makea1325 suitc1330 makinga1398 mark1482 inventiona1513 workmanship1578 cut1590 model1597 mould1667 fashioning1870 Mk.1921 c1330 (?c1300) Reinbrun (Auch.) in J. Zupitza Guy of Warwick (1891) 657 Postes and laces..þer were Of iaspe gentil þat was dere, Al of one soute. c1440 (?a1400) Morte Arthure 210 (MED) There was a cheeffe buttlere..þat of þe cowpe seruede, Sexty cowpes of suyte fore þe kyng seluyn. 1525 in J. W. Clay Testamenta Eboracensia (1902) VI. 11 iiij stottes, iij of on sutie [? suite], with on browne stotte. c1540 (?a1400) Gest Historiale Destr. Troy (2002) f. 53^v A sadill..With a bridell full bright bothe of a sewte. 1687 Kirkcudbright Test. 7 Oct. in Dict. Older Sc. Tongue at Sut(e Thrie cowrings, quherof John Howp gott ane switt of the best. 13. A state or condition; a situation. Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ the world > existence and causation > existence > state or condition > [noun] statec1225 estatec1230 farea1325 casec1325 beingc1330 degreec1330 condition1340 suita1375 stature?a1513 existence1530 affection?1543 existency1587 subsistence1597 consistence1626 subsistency1628 tone1641 consistency1690 attitude1744 situation1765 working order1784 faring1811 status1837 figure1858 a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) l. 1250 Þou seidest me ȝer-while þou schuldest me do quelle..but, sire, in þe same seute sett artow nouȝ. a1500 in Mod. Lang. Notes (1952) 67 333 Auyse gyile, abacke dere: an hegeful of frute Makith yn euery howsholde an onthrifty sute. 14. A sort, kind, or class. Obsolete.Common in the 16th cent. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > kind or sort > [noun] kindeOE i-cundeOE mannera1225 jetc1330 colour1340 hair1387 estrete1393 gendera1398 hedea1400 savourc1400 stockc1450 toucha1500 rate1509 barrel1542 suit1548 fashion1562 special1563 stamp1573 family1598 garb1600 espece1602 kidney1602 bran1610 formality1610 editiona1627 make1660 cast1673 tour1702 way1702 specie1711 tenor1729 ilk1790 genre1816 stripe1853 persuasion1855 1548 E. Gest Treat. againste Masse sig. Av It is a stelth of holye thinges, not of the basest sute..but of the holyest and chiefeste kynde. 1573 T. Tusser Fiue Hundreth Points Good Husbandry (new ed.) f. 20^v Now gather vp fruite, of euery suite. 1586 T. Bright Treat. Melancholie iv. 13 The particular nourishment containeth not so manie sutes, as the earth the nourisher of all things doth. 1593 R. Hooker Of Lawes Eccl. Politie iii. iii. 134 Touching matters belonging vnto the Church of Christ this wee conceiue, that they are not of one sute. ?a1600 (a1500) Sc. Troy Bk. (Cambr.) l. 272 in C. Horstmann Barbour's Legendensammlung (1882) II. 222 As cornys, treys, herbys and fruyttis, Throw course of kynd & sindry suyttis, To mannys delitt. 1642 D. Rogers Naaman 138 Of this sute also is the carriage of such, as upbraid God. †IV. A group of followers, and related senses. 15. a. A group of followers; a retinue; = suite n. 1. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ society > authority > subjection > service > servant > retainer or follower > [noun] > collective or retinue hirdc888 douthOE gingc1175 folkc1275 hirdfolcc1275 tail1297 meiniec1300 meiniec1300 routc1325 suitc1325 peoplec1330 leading1382 retinuea1387 repairc1390 retenancea1393 farneta1400 to-draughta1400 sembly14.. sequelc1420 manya1425 followingc1429 affinity?1435 family1438 train1489 estatec1500 port1545 retain1548 equipage1579 suite1579 attendancy1586 attendance1607 tendancea1616 sequacesa1660 cortège1679 c1325 (c1300) Chron. Robert of Gloucester (Calig.) l. 3743 Hii of sute were Of king arthures hous. a1425 J. Wyclif Sel. Eng. Wks. (1871) II. 225 (MED) Crist biddiþ men of his suyt þat þei shulden not have two cootis. c1540 (?a1400) Gest Historiale Destr. Troy (2002) f. 10^v In sound forto saile hom & your sute all. a1586 Sir P. Sidney Arcadia (1590) ii. x. sig. V1^v Had there not come in Tydeus & Telenor, with fortie or fiftie in their suit, to the defence of Plexirtus. 1612 T. Taylor Αρχὴν Ἁπάντων: Comm. Epist. Paul to Titus i. 6 They were so farre from the suit of Saints and good men, that they were vnfit companie for honest ciuill men. 1781 J. Moore View Soc. Italy (1790) I. i. 17 Till the Archduke and his suit had passed. 1799 S. T. Coleridge Let. 14 Jan. (2018) I. 202 Next but imposssible for any but married women, or in the suit of married women. 1862 G. J. Whyte-Melville Inside Bar 345 Servant?..didn't bring one; don't want a ‘shoot’ when I'm driving Crafty Kate. 1865 S. Baring-Gould Bk. Were-wolves x. 185 A numerous suit of pages, esquires, chaplains. b. The body of witnesses in support of a plaintiff in a lawsuit. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ society > law > administration of justice > court proceedings or procedure > evidence > [noun] > a witness > witnesses for or followers of plaintiff suit1616 1616 J. Selden Notes on Fortescue xxi. 23 in R. Mulcaster tr. J. Fortescue De Laudibus Legum Angliæ In ancient time this suit, or witnesses were examind before any other issue. 1647 N. Bacon Hist. Disc. Govt. 271 The plaintiffs sect or suit of witnesses. 1865 F. M. Nichols tr. Britton i. xxxii Let the suit be examined..by taking their acknowledgments whether they are villains to the plaintiff. 16. Offspring, progeny. Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ society > society and the community > kinship or relationship > kinsman or relation > child > [noun] > progeny or offspring bairn-teamc885 childeOE tudderc897 seedOE teamOE wastum971 offspringOE i-cundeOE fostera1175 i-streonc1175 strainc1175 brooda1300 begetc1300 barm-teamc1315 issuea1325 progenyc1330 fruit of the loinsa1340 bowel1382 young onec1384 suita1387 engendrurea1400 fruitinga1400 geta1400 birth?a1425 porturec1425 progenityc1450 bodyfauntc1460 generation1477 fryc1480 enfantement1483 infantment1483 blood issue1535 propagation1536 offspring1548 race1549 family?1552 increase1552 breed1574 begetting1611 sperm1641 bed1832 fruitage1850 a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1869) II. 95 Somtyme Theam is i-cleped þe sewte of bonde men [L. Theam..quandoque dicitur sequela nativorum]. 17. A group of three hounds; = leash n. 2. Also: a group of mallards; cf. flight n.¹ 8a. Obsolete.One of many alleged group names found in late Middle English glossarial sources, but not otherwise substantiated. ΘΚΠ the world > animals > mammals > group Unguiculata or clawed mammal > family Canidae > hound > [noun] > pack of mutec1350 packa1450 suita1450 cry1600 lady pack1828 the world > animals > birds > freshwater birds > order Anseriformes (geese, etc.) > subfamily Merginae (duck) > [noun] > member of genus Anas (miscellaneous) > anas platyrhynchos (mallard) > flock of sord14.. suit1486 a1450 Terms Assoc. in PMLA (1936) 51 603 (MED) A sute of a lyame. 1486 Bk. St. Albans sig. fvi A Sorde or a sute of malardis. †V. A sequence, and related senses. 18. A succession; a sequence. in suit: in succession; in a row. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > time > relative time > the future or time to come > succession or following in time > [noun] > a succession, series, or sequence suit1406 sequencea1575 train1606 series1618 track1681 1406 in F. J. Furnivall Fifty Earliest Eng. Wills (1882) 13 Ylk man & woman of hem in sute a rynge of xl d. c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) ii. l. 6797 (MED) Euery day þe blomys wer renewed; And þe blosmys, with many sondri swt. 1589 G. Puttenham Arte Eng. Poesie iii. xix. 165 When we make one word begin, and..lead the daunce to many verses in sute. 1625 F. Bacon Ess. (new ed.) 332 Euery Fiue and Thirtie years, The same Kinde and Sute of Years and Weathers, comes about againe. 19. a. for suit of: on account of. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > existence and causation > causation > cause or reason > [phrase] > because of in virtue ofa1250 by (also for) reason ofa1350 by the virtue ofa1375 by the cause ofc1405 by occasion ofc1425 for cause ofc1425 by way of1447 for suit of1451 in respect of1528 in consideration of1540 in regard of1600 in intuition to1626 by or in vigour of1636 along1680 in view of1710 1451 in E. Hobhouse Church-wardens' Accts. (1890) 94 Yn costage to Well for sowte of the churche gods yn two tymes, xviijd. b. in suit of: in consequence of. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > existence and causation > causation > effect, result, or consequence > consequently or as a result [phrase] unto so micklec1390 per consequencec1395 by suing?a1425 by consequent1489 by relation1565 of consequence1573 by consequence1581 occasion1634 in suit ofa1652 in consequence of1683 owing to1744 in consequence1775 in the wake of1866 a1652 I. Jones in B. Allsopp & R. A. Sayce Inigo Jones on Palladio (1970) II. ii. 71 A hard thing in seetes of this difficulty to accomodat y^e Chambers and other places. VI. A set or series of things.For specialized use with reference to a set of clothes see branch VII. 20. a. A number of things of the same kind intended to be used together or forming a definite set, such as tools, furniture, cutlery, jewels, etc. Now superseded by suite in most cases, except with reference to a set of sails for a ship (see sense 20b(a)); cf. suite n. 2, 3. ΘΚΠ the world > space > relative position > arrangement or fact of being arranged > state of being gathered together > an assemblage or collection > [noun] > group > set of things to be used or made together gang?1340 pair1351 suit1424 nest1467 cast1535 set1561 stander1578 shift1592 casea1616 set-out1806 1424 in F. J. Furnivall Fifty Earliest Eng. Wills (1882) 57 An oþer flat pece [of plate] of þe suit þat were my faders. 1577 W. Harrison Hist. Descr. Islande Brit. ii. x. f. 85^v/1, in R. Holinshed Chron. I A siluer salte, a bowle for wine..and a dussen of spoones, to furnishe vp the sute. 1622 J. Mabbe tr. M. Alemán Rogue ii. iii. v. 298 A handsome sute of chaires. 1654 E. Gayton Pleasant Notes Don Quixot iii. v. 100 A Missale, six Crucifixes, a sute of Beads. 1737 Salmon's Cy. Bldr.'s Estimator (ed. 2) 111 These [Locks] are likewise sold in Sute. 1782 T. Vaughan Fashionable Follies (new ed.) I. 145 A..complete suit of diamonds. a1817 T. Dwight Trav. New-Eng. & N.-Y. (1821) II. 196 A suit of oars. 1845 S. Judd Margaret i. ii. 10 There were no suits of knives and forks. 2019 @amourkavia 23 June in twitter.com (accessed 1 July 2019) I want another bedroom suit so bad well hell i wanna redo a lot of stuff, I'm ready to move. b. spec. (a) A complete set of sails for a ship; a set of spars. ΘΚΠ society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > equipment of vessel > masts, rigging, or sails > sail > [noun] > suit of sails suit1626 1626 J. Smith Accidence Young Sea-men 17 A suite of sayles. 1635 in W. Foster Court Minutes E. India Company (1907) 114 [To make new sails for his ship, she having only one new] suyte. 1748 B. Robins & R. Walter Voy. round World by Anson ii. ii. 135 With all the..remnants of old sails that could be mustered, we could only make up one compleat suit. 1851 R. Kipping Sails & Sail-making (ed. 2) 91 Making a suit of Sails for a Barque of 300 Tons. 1912 J. Masefield Dauber iv. v, in Eng. Rev. Oct. 365 He had once worked aloft, Shifting her suits one summer afternoon. 2018 @InfoIv 12 Jan. in twitter.com (accessed 1 July 2019) London International Boat Show—Excel Gipsy Moth receives a new suit of sails for the 2018 season. †(b) A set of musical pieces, artworks, etc. Cf. suite n. 3a. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ society > leisure > the arts > music > piece of music > type of piece > [noun] > exercise or study > set of suit1676 suite1676 1676 T. Mace Musick's Monument 120 I will now set you a Sett, or a Suit of Lessons..which may be of any Number..yet commonly are about Half a Dozen. 1682 London Gaz. No. 1726/4 A Suit of Vocal and Instrumental Musick from the Odeum or Musick Gallery. ?1725 J. Lœillet (title) Six suits of lessons for the harpsichord or spinnet. 1779 J. Moore View Society & Manners France (1789) I. xxxviii. 330 The most admired of all Holben's works is a suit of small pieces. †(c) Criminals' slang. A gold watch, usually with its accessories (as seals, case, etc.). Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > time > instruments for measuring time > watch > [noun] > particular types of watch German watch1611 larum watch1619 clock-watch1625 minute watch1660 pendulum watch1664 watch1666 alarm watch1669 finger watch1679 string-watch1686 scout1688 balance-watch1690 hour-watch1697 warming-pan1699 minute pendulum watch1705 jewel watch1711 suit1718 repeater1725 Tompion1727 pendulum spring1728 second-watch1755 Geneva watch1756 cylinder-watch1765 watch-paper1777 ring watch1788 verge watch1792 watch lamp1823 hack1827 bull's-eye1833 vertical watch1838 quarter-repeater1840 turnip1840 hunting-watch1843 minute repeater1843 hunter1851 job watch1851 Geneva1852 watch-lining1856 touch watch1860 musical watch1864 lever1865 neep1866 verge1871 independent seconds watch1875 stem-winder1875 demi-hunter1884 fob-watch1884 three-quarter plate1884 wrist-watch1897 turnip-watch1898 sedan-chair watch1904 Rolex1922 Tank watch1923 strap watch1926 chatelaine watch1936 sedan clock1950 quartz watch1969 pulsar1970 1718 C. Hitchin Regulator 13 They [sc. pickpockets] greatly benefit; either by a Suit, alias Gold-watch,..or by a Wedge Lobb, alias Gold or Silver Snuff-Box. 1839 W. H. Ainsworth Jack Sheppard II. ii. xiv. 40 A fence, or receiver, bargaining with a..pickpocket, for a suit,—or, to speak in more intelligible language, a watch and seals. †(d) A suite of rooms. Cf. suite n. 3b(a). Obsolete. ΘΚΠ society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > parts of building > room > suite of rooms > [noun] wonesc1325 chambers1598 suite1716 suit1721 sweep1751 garden suite1875 unit1917 1721 A. Pope in tr. Homer Iliad (ed. 2) VI. Index Arts & Sci. at Architecture Architecture of a tent, with a suit [1720 Suite] of apartments within one another. 1741 W. Warburton Divine Legation Moses II. 280 A magnificent Palace..with all its Suits of Apartments. 1789 H. L. Piozzi Observ. Journey France I. 283 The apartments..run in suits like Wanstead house in Essex. 1846 C. Dickens Dombey & Son (1848) iii. 16 A whole suit of drawing-rooms. 1858 Eng. Cycl. Biogr. VI. at Usher He took up his residence in a suit of apartments provided for him in the inn. (e) U.S. The whole complement of hair on a person's head and face. Now rare. ΘΚΠ the world > life > the body > hair > [noun] hairc1000 wire1576 strummel1725 crowning glory1780 suit1803 floss1846 moss1847 1803 M. Lewis Jrnl. 23 Nov. in Jrnls. Lewis & Clark Exped. (1986) II. 107 He is remarkable for having once had a remarkable suit of hair; he was very cheerfull. 1845 S. Judd Margaret ii. i. 216 A suit of enormous black whiskers. 1869 A. J. Evans Vashti xxxiii. 451 Leaving a few lines written in pencil on a handkerchief, in which she had wrapped her superb suit of hair. 1893 ‘M. Twain’ Pudd'nhead Wilson ii, in Cent. Mag. Dec. 236/2 She had a heavy suit of fine soft hair, which was also brown. 1913 National Nurserymen Apr. 142/2 How in the ‘Sam Hill’ would they go about fumigating that luxuriant suit of whiskers of A. Willis, for instance without killing him? 1969 Edwardsville (Illinois) Intelligencer 24 Oct. 7/8 Boy, I don't want to see you with that full suit of hair down on your scapula when I get home from work tomorrow. †(f) The quantity of biscuits or (less commonly) bread baked in the oven in one batch. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > food and drink > food > dishes and prepared food > biscuit > [noun] > batch of biscuits suit1833 1833 Mechanic's Mag. 6 Apr. 133 Each batch of the dough thus rudely mixed weighs 388 pounds, and forms eventually two suits and a half of bread, weighing 250 pounds, or in other words, 1,250 biscuits, each suit or batch being 100 pounds in weight. 1845 Encycl. Metrop. VIII. 802/2 The quantity baked each time, which is called a suit, is about 112 pounds weight before being placed in the oven. 1854 G. Read Biscuit Baker's Assist. (ed. 2) i. 15 An old practice of setting a suit of biscuits, called ‘chuck and shove’, was at one time much in vogue. †21. A row or series of trees. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > plants > by growth or development > defined by habit > tree or woody plant > wood or assemblage of trees or shrubs > [noun] > belt or line of trees suitc1450 neck of the woods1780 droke1822 tree-line1893 fringing forest1903 gallery forest1920 tree-belt1962 c1450 (?a1405) J. Lydgate Complaint Black Knight (Fairf.) l. 82 in Minor Poems (1934) ii. 386 The sute of trees a-bout[e] compassyng Her shadowe cast. 22. Each of the four sets (distinguished by their marks, esp. as spades, clubs, hearts, or diamonds) into which a pack of playing cards is divided. Also: a player's (esp. strong) holding in one such set at one time.long suit, major suit, strong suit, etc.: see the first element. See also to follow suit at Phrases 2c. ΘΚΠ society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > card game > card or cards > [noun] > suit suit1563 strong suit1742 side suit1883 1563 J. Foxe Actes & Monuments 1304/1 I purpose agayne to deale vnto you an other card, almost of the same sute. 1622 H. Peacham Compl. Gentleman vii. 65 I haue seene French Cards to play withall, the foure suites changed into Maps of seuerall Countries. 1742 E. Hoyle Short Treat. Game Whist 12 You need seldom return your Partner's Lead, if you have good Suits of your own to play. 1755 E. Young Centaur iii. 144 If there are no Fools to be taken in, he makes a pretty good hand of it with a Knave of the right suit. 1876 Encycl. Brit. V. 100/1 A pack of tarots consists of seventy-eight cards, four suits of numeral cards and twenty-two emblematic cards. 1876 A. Campbell-Walker Correct Card Gloss. p. xiii Beginning with the lowest card but one of the suit you lead originally, if it contains more than four cards. 1955 A. Sheinwold Bridge Play for Beginners v. 147 They weren't trying to establish the whole suit, as they would be at no-trumps; they were just trying to develop one trick in the suit. 2011 Tel. Herald (Dubuque, Iowa) (Nexis) 24 Apr. e1 Players evaluate the cards in their hands, looking for cards of the same suit as the card in the center. VII. A set of clothes, etc., intended to be worn together. Cf. sense 11. 23. A set of church vestments, esp. chasuble and dalmatics, cope, etc., of the same colour and material. More fully, suit of vestments.In quot. 1433, vestmentes probably shows a noun complement, with sewte vestmentes hence equivalent to ‘suit of vestments’. ΘΚΠ society > faith > artefacts > vestments > [noun] > set of vestmenta1400 suit1433 1433 Bridgewater Borough Munim. 12 (MED) Item, for reparyng of þe grene sewte vestmentes. 1444 Will in Publ. Somerset Rec. Soc. (1903) 19 340 (MED) Y wol ther be a blak sywete of vestementes yeffyn. 1558 in J. W. Clay North Country Wills (1912) II. 6 My suyte of red vestementes. a1660 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1645 (1955) II. 298 One Priestly Cope with the whole suite. c1716 in J. O. Payne Rec. Eng. Catholics of 1715 (1889) 105 Vestment suites 12, albs 8, amices 10. 1874 J. T. Micklethwaite Mod. Parish Churches 163 So that each suit of vestments may have its own drawer. 2016 Stud. Philol. 113 292 The suit of vestments given by Tregonwell as a gift may illustrate his ‘willingness to allow a useful item to remain at St. Petroc's Church.’ 24. A set of outer clothes intended to be worn together. a. A set of men's or boys' outer clothes intended to be worn together. Now usually: a jacket and trousers (and sometimes also a waistcoat) of the same material, worn esp. in an office or for formal occasions.business suit, lounge suit, etc.: see the first element.Formerly often more fully suit of clothes, suit of apparel. ΘΚΠ the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > set or suit of clothes > [noun] habita1420 standc1450 suitc1475 sluch1582 standard1631 rig-out1824 outfit1840 suiting1863 shape1886 rig-up1896 bag of fruit1924 ensemble1927 whistle and flute1931 vine1932 drape1945 the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > set or suit of clothes > [noun] > for specific people > for men or boys suitc1475 c1475 (a1400) Sir Amadace (Taylor) in J. Robson Three Early Eng. Metrical Romances (1842) 50 (MED) Say him my sute is quite. 1552–3 in A. Feuillerat Documents Office of Revels Edward VI (1914) 89 Five suetes of apparrell. 1642 in Declar. conc. Rebell. Ireland (1643) 29 The six hundred suits of clothes were for the Souldiers in Ireland. 1683 A. Wood Life & Times (1894) III. 74 To Mr. Spencer the tayler for turning and altering my gray suite..14s. 1738 Gentleman's Mag. Jan. 4/1 One that..doth not put off his Religion with his Sunday's Suit. 1840 R. H. Dana Two Years before Mast x. 79 We had on oil-cloth suits and south-wester caps. 1892 A. C. Gunter Miss Dividends (1893) 93 His light travelling suit. 1932 G. Greene Stamboul Train i. i. 7 He..required no longer..his suit from Savile Row..to hearten him. 2017 E. Batuman Idiot i. 13 He was..clean-cut, well-spoken, the type who didn't mind wearing a suit or talking to his parents' friends. b. A set of women's outer clothes intended to be worn at one time. Now usually: a smart skirt or pair of trousers with a matching jacket, worn esp. in an office or for formal occasions.pantsuit, trouser suit: see the first element.Formerly often more fully suit of clothes, suit of apparel. ΘΚΠ the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > set or suit of clothes > [noun] > for specific people > for women suit1647 1647 in M. Cash Devon Inventories 16th & 17th Cent. (1966) 94 In the Chamber 3 Sutes of womans apparell..Two Cloakes for a man. 1761 Brit. Mag. 2 444 A suit of cloaths is weaving for a lady of quality, which will amount to 36 l. per yard. 1778 F. Burney Evelina I. x. 32 They have promised me a compleat suit of linen against the evening. 1847 W. M. Thackeray Vanity Fair (1848) xiv. 118 Her smartest evening suit. 1913 Play Pictorial No. 132. p. vi/3 A great variety of linen suits and frocks in exclusive styles. 1999 T. Lott White City Blue (2000) 63 A woman in a black two-piece suit sitting at the next table..looks across at him coldly. c. slang (originally U.S.). A person who wears a business suit at work; a business executive. Now frequently depreciative.Quot. 1963 shows contextual use of metonymy, rather than evidence for established use in this sense. ΘΚΠ society > occupation and work > worker > workers according to type of work > non-manual worker > businessman > [noun] man of business1640 homme d'affaires1717 businessman1803 businessperson1834 operator1838 towkay1854 grey suit1969 pinstripe1970 suit1977 pin-striper1979 1963 J. Breslin in N.Y. Herald Tribune 12 June 29/1 George turned and took a man in an expensive gray suit by the elbow and guided him toward the grill room. The gray suit looked like he had a lot of money.] 1977 Syracuse (N.Y.) Herald-Amer. 12 June (Stars section) 41 m/2 He [sc. Robert Blake]..tells [Dan] Rather that if the network ‘suits’ (i.e. executives) don’t like the way he’s doing the show, they can ‘take me off the air’. 1979 T. Sullivan Glitter St. (1981) vi. 32 McBride was an exception to the usual ‘suits’ at the Bureau. 1987 TV Week (Melbourne) 23 May 4/1 A kid..eager to propel himself out of the mail-room, where he has a menial job, into the executive ranks of those who are called ‘suits’. 2014 T. McCulloch Stillman 11 The suits went into full-spectrum denial and spooked the union into balloting for a one-day stoppage to get them round the table. 25. A complete set of pieces of armour for covering the whole body. Chiefly in suit of armour. ΘΚΠ society > armed hostility > military equipment > armour > [noun] > suit of armour armoura1425 furniture1569 suit?1586 panopliaa1612 panoplya1637 ?1586 R. P. tr. D. Ortúñez de Calahorra Third Pt. First Bk. Mirrour of Knighthood xiii. f. 56 The Gentlewoman did straight waies open the coffer that the sauage brought in, & tooke out thereof a sute of armour all red. a1798 T. Pennant Tour on Continent (1948) 169 In the arsenal are shewed several rich suits of armour. 1821 W. Scott Kenilworth III. xiv. 277 Their suits of leathern and of paper armour. 1859 Ld. Tennyson Enid in Idylls of King 50 The three gay suits of armour. 1880 B. Disraeli Endymion II. xxiii. 237 Prince Florestan, in a suit of blue damascened armour. 1956 Slavonic & East European Rev. 34 307 A suit of armour, helmet, armlet, cuisse, and gauntlet cost about 8 grzywny at the very least. 2013 D. Miller in New Writing Scotl. 31 181 Her first husband had committed suicide by throwing himself into a river weighed down by a suit of medieval armour. 26. a. Extended, figurative, and allusive uses of sense 24: something that is regarded as resembling a set of outer clothes in providing (what is conceptualized as) the outer covering of something else.birthday suit: see the first element. ΚΠ 1597 M. Drayton Englands Heroicall Epist. f. 11 ^v In her masking sute, the spangled skie, Come forth to bride it in her reuelrie. 1607 S. Rowlands Diogines Lanthorne 33 A gallant groue, That wore greene Sommers sute. 1695 J. Collier Misc. upon Moral Subj. 100 Like Cloath ill made, he looks better in the Shop, than he wears in the Suit. 1699 B. E. New Dict. Canting Crew Suit and Cloak, good store of Brandy or any agreable Liquor, let down Gutter-lane. 1804 J. Grahame Sabbath 29 The redbreast's sober suit. 1858 W. Arnot Laws from Heaven 2nd Ser. xlix. 403 If honour be your clothing, the suit will last a life-time. 2011 @FLUDtalkz 6 Feb. in twitter.com (accessed 20 July 2019) I look fresh in the suit i was born in/ says ur mom and all my ex girlfriends. †b. Botany. A disc floret in a composite flower. Obsolete. rare.In origin a figurative use of sense 24: see quot. 1672. ΚΠ 1672 N. Grew Anat. Veg. v. 143 The several Thrums or rather Suits, whereof the Attire is made up,..are never consistent of more than one, sometimes of two, and for the most part of three pieces (for which I call them Suits). 1746 G. Adams Micrographia Illustrata xxxix. 222 Figure 535, represents one Suit of Chrysanthemum-Creet, consisting also of three Pieces, of which there are about 80 in one Flower. 27. A garment or set of clothes (such as a spacesuit, wetsuit, etc.) designed for a particular activity or occupation. Frequently with distinguishing word.bathing suit, jumpsuit, etc.: see the first element. ΘΚΠ the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > [noun] > for specific purpose > swimming or bathing bathing-dress1774 bathing-costume?a1832 costume1855 suit1864 bathing-suit1873 cossie1926 swimmer1929 togs1930 Speedo1933 swimsuit1934 bathers1945 bikini1948 bikini1957 monokini1964 tankini1985 burkini2002 the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > set or suit of clothes > [noun] > for specific purpose sables1603 procation1650 business suit1854 frock-dress1854 suit1864 smoking-suit1898 rain suit1900 beach-pyjamas1928 safari kit1928 safari suit1935 1864 Southington (Connecticut) Mirror 16 Sept. Here the bather is furnished with a suit of bathing clothes accompanied with a ticket with a No. on it corresponding with the No. of the house assigned. 1883 L. Troubridge Life amongst Troubridges (1966) 165 Walked along..meaning to bathe... Ran down in our suits. 1905 Oakland (Calif.) Tribune 17 May 3/7 (advt.) Mothers Don't Worry... Get your little ones a romper suit. 1968 Awake! 22 Sept. 30/2 The suit will be made to protect the astronaut..from tiny particles known as micrometeoroids. 1991 New Yorker 13 May 33/3 He wallowed to shore, stood up on the beach, unzipped his dry suit, and stepped out of it. 2011 Gazette (Montreal) (Nexis) 11 June h4 A Formula One driver..will be covered in four layers of fireproof clothing, which, combined with the heat emanating from his car and the exterior conditions can raise the temperatures to 50C inside his suit. Phrases P1. Phrases in which suit is the object of a preposition. a. in suit. †(a) Of a person: being prosecuted. Cf. Phrases 1a(d)(i). Obsolete. ΘΚΠ society > law > administration of justice > court proceedings or procedure > action of courts in claims or grievances > [phrase] > being sued in suit1495 1495 Rolls of Parl.: Henry VII (Electronic ed.) Parl. Oct. 1495 §55. m. 31 That the seid shirefs and undershirefs and shire clerkis make or cause to be made a sufficient precepte to the baillifs of the hundredes to attach, sommone or warne the defendauntes that ar so in suyte to appere and answere to the seid playntes. 1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry VIII f. j The kynges grace..pardoned all suche persones, as was then in suite. †(b) Engaged in a legal prosecution or lawsuit. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ society > law > administration of justice > court proceedings or procedure > action of courts in claims or grievances > [phrase] > engaged in litigation in suita1513 at suit1688 a1513 R. Fabyan New Cronycles Eng. & Fraunce (1516) II. f. xxvii Atwene the Londoners and the Abbot of the holy Crosse of Waltham, the whiche hadde bene in suyte many yerys before. 1598 R. Bernard tr. Terence Andria iv. v, in Terence in Eng. 86 He is alwaies in sute with some man. He is neuer out of the court. a1677 I. Barrow Serm. Several Occasions (1678) 212 He that doth not wave the prosecution of his cause..is deemed still to be in suit. 1688 R. Holme Acad. Armory (1905) iii. xv. 23/2 A docket, the catalogue of the person[s] in suite one with another. (c) Of a matter: that is sub judice or in dispute. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > insecure knowledge, uncertainty > questionable state or quality > in dispute, in question [phrase] at large1435 in suspensea1513 in issue1533 in suita1538 sub lite1766 at issue1768 society > law > administration of justice > court proceedings or procedure > action of courts in claims or grievances > [phrase] > that is subject of legal action in variance1461 in suita1538 in litigation1856 a1538 T. Starkey Dial. Pole & Lupset (1989) 79 I see mennys materys hange in sute ii iij or iiij yere & more. 1559 J. Aylmer Harborowe sig. G1^v To put that out of doubte which was in sute. 1664 Comenius' Janua Ling. 656 A third man must needs come in (between) to part the fray (to take up the matter in sute). 1999 Independent 3 Feb. ii. 7/5 In an action for infringement of a patent, the court would not automatically grant a wide injunction to restrain the defendant from infringing the patent in suit, but might only grant more restricted relief. †(d) to put in suit. (i) To prosecute (a person); to take legal action against. Also to have in suit. Cf. Phrases 1a(a). Obsolete. ΘΚΠ society > law > administration of justice > court proceedings or procedure > action of courts in claims or grievances > carry on or institute (an action) [verb (transitive)] > sue or institute action against pleada1325 implead1387 follow1389 pursue1454 process1493 to put in suit1495 to call (a person) unto the law?a1513 sue1526 suit1560 prosecute1579 to fetch a person over the hips1587 trounce1638 law1647 prosecute1656 action1734 to fetch law of1832 court1847 chicane1865 actionize1871 run1891 1495 Rolls of Parl.: Henry VII (Electronic ed.) Parl. Oct. 1495 §55. m. 31 The same parties so putte in sute have noe knowlege of any suche suyte had ageyne theym. 1544 in I. S. Leadam Select Cases Court of Requests (1898) 79 For the which Olyuer Seynt John Esquyer hayth Stokeley in sewt at this present tyme. 1579 L. Tomson tr. J. Calvin Serm. Epist. S. Paule to Timothie & Titus 223/1 We shall not..want an aduersarie to accuse us, we shall lacke no Eschequer man to put us in shute. 1638 T. Heywood Wise Woman iii. i If they put mee in suite,..they are poore, and cannot follow it. (ii) To put (a legal instrument) in force in a court of law. Also: to set the law in motion concerning (a matter). Obsolete. ΘΚΠ society > law > administration of justice > process, writ, warrant, or order > [verb (transitive)] > apply for or enforce legal process suea1325 to sue out (also forth)?c1425 suit1504 to put in suit1579 1579 Rastell's Expos. Termes Lawes (new ed.) f. 25 If he haue aliened before the obligation be put in suite, hee is discharged. c1618 in H. Elsing Notes Deb. House of Lords (1968) App. 140 The said S^r Giles putt the said bonds in suite in the Exchequer. a1680 S. Charnock Several Disc. Existence of God (1682) 825 Who hath laid by his Bond so many years, without putting it in suit against us. 1769 H. Brooke Fool of Quality IV. xvii. 220 I will have that matter put directly in suit, and, as soon as it is recovered, it shall be laid out on a commission for your son. 1842 H. J. Stephen New Comm. Laws Eng. II. 103 The executor..of the donor..bound,..to put the instrument in suit, for the benefit of the donee. b. in suit with. †(a) In company with. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ society > society and the community > social relations > association, fellowship, or companionship > a company or body of persons > [adverb] commonlyc1330 in companya1393 in handa1400 in suit withc1440 along1600 in consort1611 socially1621 in the swim with1885 in tow (with)1907 c1440 (?a1400) Morte Arthure l. 3931 (MED) Seuen score knyghtes In soyte with theire souerayne vnsownde are beleuede. c1450 (?a1400) Wars Alexander (Ashm.) l. 3336 Þe sete þare him-selfe satte in soyte with þe croune. †(b) In the same clothing, livery, or uniform as. Cf. out of suits with at Phrases 1c. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > relationship > uniformity > uniform or to match [phrase] in or of (a) suitc1325 in suit of or with1389 of a suit1389 in suit with1488 the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > wearing clothing > [adverb] > in specific way to (also into, unto) one's (also the) shirtc1300 in or of (a) suitc1325 in ragsa1350 in (also on) one's shirtc1380 in suit of or with1389 thinlya1400 in suit with1488 finely?1552 raggedly1552 smoothly1579 garish1590 briskly1592 in one's waistcoat1607 in mourning1621 in cuerpoa1640 in gala1757 airily1768 plain1808 in mufti1816 in, on one's stocking-soles1827 seedily1837 in beaver1840 back to front1869 dowdily1887 dossily1903 head-to-toe1946 sharp1951 sharply1965 understatedly1972 1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) ix. l. 421 He gert graith him in soit with his awin men. c1550 Clariodus (1830) ii. 1685 My frindis trest and deire, ȝe do me now the plesour I require, That ȝe wald gounis weir in suit with me. (c) In agreement or harmony with; consistent with. Cf. of a suit with at Phrases 1f. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > order > agreement, harmony, or congruity > in agreement or harmony (with) [phrase] in onea1400 according1523 in unison1604 of a piece1607 in concert1618 in consort1634 in tone1647 at unison1661 of a piece with1665 true1735 in suit with1797 in harmony1816 of a suit with1886 in tune1887 in key1919 tuned in1958 all-of-a-piece1960 1797 A. M. Bennett Beggar Girl II. ix. 146 A Cerberus in human form, whose manual strength was in suite with the ferocity of his manners. 1806 T. Jefferson Let. 4 May in Memoirs, Corr., & Private Papers (1829) IV. 56 The legislature had sanctioned that idea... It seemed, therefore, that the Governor should be in suit with them. 2014 Hispania 97 563 Beatriz also suffers from ‘sexualidad exacerbada hasta la locura’..a condition that the protagonist selfishly monopolizes in suit with his customary treatment of women, but this time it results in an unplanned pregnancy. c. out of suits with: out of favour with. Now rare.Perhaps arising as a figurative extension of a literal use meaning ‘not in the uniform or livery of’ (cf. Phrases 1b(b)), but such use is apparently unattested. In later use apparently only occurring in echoes of Shakespeare's use in quot. a1616, in the phrase out of suits with fortune. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > disadvantage > disadvantageously [phrase] > not favoured by out of suits witha1616 a1616 W. Shakespeare As you like It (1623) i. ii. 235 One out of suites with fortune. View more context for this quotation 1825 J. Boaden Mem. J. P. Kemble II. 342 He escapes from a gaol in India; and on his return to England, being out of suits with fortune, is arrested at the suit of a tailor. 1966 Times of India 5 Sept. 8 It [sc. a Tamil play] is about a young man out of suits with fortune and dependent on the mercies of others, caught in varying conspiracies of circumstances. †d. at suit: at law, engaged in litigation. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ society > law > administration of justice > court proceedings or procedure > action of courts in claims or grievances > [phrase] > engaged in litigation in suita1513 at suit1688 1688 R. Holme Acad. Armory (1905) iii. xix. 173/2 If..the parties were at suite in the ciuill courts of justice. 1797 R. Cumberland False Impressions v. 64 Our families have been at suit for years, and law will cut asunder closer ties than those existing between her and me. e. to go to suit: to go to law. ΘΚΠ society > law > administration of justice > court proceedings or procedure > action of courts in claims or grievances > go to law or litigate [verb (intransitive)] pursue1389 suea1422 pleada1425 proceed1425 pleac1450 to wage one's (or the) law1455 to go to (the) law?a1513 to put at ——1534 to prosecute the law against (also upon)1535 law?a1550 to follow a suit1571 prosecute1611 to go to suit1690 litigate1726 1690 W. Walker Idiomatologia Anglo-Lat. 455 I haue a great mind to go to suit. 1978 Amer. Bar Found. Res. Jrnl. 3 556 If the state's attorney decides that the delinquent amount warrants legal action, the case will go to suit and the delinquent taxpayer receives his court summons. †f. of a suit with: of a piece with; of the same quality or character as. Cf. Phrases 1b(c). Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > order > agreement, harmony, or congruity > in agreement or harmony (with) [phrase] in onea1400 according1523 in unison1604 of a piece1607 in concert1618 in consort1634 in tone1647 at unison1661 of a piece with1665 true1735 in suit with1797 in harmony1816 of a suit with1886 in tune1887 in key1919 tuned in1958 all-of-a-piece1960 1886 Sat. Rev. 18 Sept. 392/1 The odd coincidences which group themselves round Swift's masterpiece are of a suit with its own extraordinary contents. 1900 T. Hardy Enter Dragoon in Harper's Mag. Dec. 33/1 A life whose incidents were precisely of a suit with those which had preceded the soldier's return. P2. Phrases in which suit is the object of a verb. †a. Scottish. to call the suits: to call out the names of those who were obliged to give suit at a court. Obsolete. ΚΠ c1430 Acts Parl. Scotl. (1844) I. 343/2 Fyrst call the soytoure, syne rede the justice powere, syne fens the courtis, than tak the dempstare and gare him be suorne, syne call the soytis agane, ande jlka man twys, and jlka lard ande his soyt, gif ony be absent amercy the absent [etc.]. 1459 in A. Laing Lindores Abbey (1876) xvi. 158 Ye quhylk day ye soytts callit ye curt affirmyt ye absens ar patent. 1575 J. Rolland Treat. Court Venus iii. f. 36 Sutis was callit ilk ane in thair estait. Cheisit ane assyis. c1600 R. Lindsay Hist. & Cron. Scotl. (1899) II. 252 The regent causit feild the parliament and call the suittis. 1609 J. Skene tr. Crimes in Regiam Majestatem ix. xxviii. 168 b The soytes suld be first called, with their Lords, and maisters. †b. to follow a suit: to prosecute a legal action. Also figurative. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ society > law > administration of justice > court proceedings or procedure > action of courts in claims or grievances > go to law or litigate [verb (intransitive)] pursue1389 suea1422 pleada1425 proceed1425 pleac1450 to wage one's (or the) law1455 to go to (the) law?a1513 to put at ——1534 to prosecute the law against (also upon)1535 law?a1550 to follow a suit1571 prosecute1611 to go to suit1690 litigate1726 1571 Dict. French & Eng. sig. Ee.iij/1 Soliciter vn proces, to followe a sute. 1577 H. I. tr. H. Bullinger 50 Godlie Serm. II. iv. vii. sig. III.iiij^v/2 That he [sc. Jesus] should alwaies appeare there in the presence of God, to followe all our suites faithfully. a1624 Bp. M. Smith Serm. (1632) 68 The Law containeth matter of inditement against vs, the Deuill followeth the suite. 1631 in S. R. Gardiner Rep. Cases Star Chamber & High Comm. (1886) 187 That they would graunt her alimonie and charges to follow the suit against him. 1732 Treat. Feme Coverts 79 Where the Wife comes in Aid of her Husband to follow the Suit. c. to follow suit. (a) In various card games: to play a card of the same suit as the leading card. Formerly also †to follow in suit.In quot. 1643 with the card personified. ΘΚΠ society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > card game > play at cards [verb (intransitive)] > actions or tactics pass1599 pluck1606 pulla1625 to play high1640 to follow suit1643 to play at forsat1674 lead1677 overdrawc1805 stand1813 retract1823 underplay1850 to hold up1879 to throw in one's hand1893 build1901 build-down1983 1643 Bloody Game at Cards 5 This being whispered into the eares of the Spade-men, they all began to follow Suit in a mutinous manner, to set forth many thousand Spade-men against the King of Hearts. 1680 C. Cotton Compl. Gamester (ed. 2) 61 The elder begins and younger follows in suit as at Whisk. 1788 J. Beaufort Hoyle's Games Impr. 15 Having but two or three small trumps, he should never force his partner to trump, if he finds he cannot follow suit. 1849 Chambers's Information for People (new ed.) II. 663/2 If a person happens not to follow suite, or trump a suite. 1889 L. P. Hale Fagots for Fireside 148 As in whist, the player next the dealer leads a card, which must be followed in suit by the other players. 2005 B. Rigal Card Games for Dummies (ed. 2) 138 Cards rank in the standard order, with aces high, and you have to follow suit..if you can. (b) figurative. To do the same thing as another. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > relationship > imitation > imitate [verb (intransitive)] > follow an example borrow?c1225 to walk in (or tread) a person's stepsa1240 to take example from (also by, at, of)c1405 to dance to or after (a person's) pipe, whistle1546 patrizate1623 patrizizea1642 to follow suit1747 to take a leaf out of a person's book1809 pattern1820 1747 J. Fish Love to Christ 36 People should first look to the Chief Shepherd, and follow suit by daily earnest Prayer. 1851 H. Melville Moby-Dick v. 32 I quickly followed suit, and descending into the bar-room accosted the grinning landlord. 1859 C. Dickens Tale of Two Cities i. ii. 4 The three other horses followed suit. 1885 W. E. Norris Adrian Vidal xvi The ‘Monday Review’ happened to be the first to notice ‘Two Lovers’; but other journals speedily followed suit. 1958 Life 14 Apr. 19/2 One major mail order firm's summer catalogue showed price reductions that average 13% and the competitors would have to follow suit. 2018 A. Stein Unbound Introd. 19 In May 2014, Medicare lifted its ban on covering gender surgeries, and federal employees' insurance plans quickly followed suit. †d. to follow suit with: to do the same as. Cf. Phrases 2c(b). Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > relationship > imitation > imitate [verb (transitive)] > follow advice, example, etc. followOE counterfeitc1405 to shoot atc1407 ensue1430 enfollowc1449 to follow suit with1655 to follow the lead of1863 1655 T. Fuller Church-hist. Brit. ii. 152 Though men had Surnames, yet their Sons did not, as I may say, follow suit with their Fathers. a1661 T. Fuller Worthies (1662) London 205 Many Clergy-men,..born in this City, did not follow suit with others of their Coat. Compounds C1. a. General use as a modifier (in sense 24), as suit jacket, suit material, etc. ΚΠ 1904 Ladies' Home Jrnl. Mar. 58/1 It is better to have a very limited amount of ornamentation if you wish to avoid the coat having the appearance of a suit jacket. 1967 Punch 13 Sept. 388/1 Unfortunately the police caught him with several bales of uncouponed suit material. 1972 National Observer (U.S.) 27 May 1/4 Wallace removed his suit coat, handed it to an aide, and moved forward to greet well-wishers. 2004 A. Hollinghurst Line of Beauty ix. 236 He..changed his shirt, put in cufflinks, tied a tie and pulled on his suit trousers. b. General use as a modifier (in sense 22), as in suit declaration, suit game, etc. In bridge, frequently as opposed to no trumps (see no trumps n.). ΚΠ 1901 C. J. Melrose Bridge Whist 93 In a suit declaration the trick-taking value of the cards are largely modified by the distribution of the trumps. 1905 W. Dalton in Saturday Rev. 20 May 664/1 There are two distinct games at bridge, the No Trump game and the suit game. 1907 Westm. Gaz. 18 May 14/1 As to a suit call, the original lead must never be from a suit that contains a probable trick. 1927 Observer 13 Mar. 27 The suit double..has several interesting aspects. 1928 M. C. Work Contract Bridge (new ed.) 32 In Auction Bridge an initial suit-bid of one is justified. 1929 M. C. Work Compl. Contract Bridge 52 When determining whether to make a suit-jump of two or three..do not be influenced..by Queens or Jacks of other suits. 1962 Times 24 Oct. 3/7 Why be forced into a higher contract which may be in jeopardy through unlucky suit-breaks? 1977 Homes & Gardens Feb. 14 Presumably he also appreciates the point I made above about playing unbalanced hands in a suit contract. 2017 Tribune-Rev. (Greensburg, Pa.) (Nexis) 17 Dec. How about a set of hand-drawn Andy Warhol Playing Cards..? Each suit design was created by Warhol himself. C2. a. General compounds.For compounds relating to the feudal obligation, see Compounds 2b. suit bag n. a bag designed to hold or protect a suit of clothes; esp. (a) a travelling bag designed to hold a suit in such a way as to avoid creasing or crumpling; cf. suiter n.² 2; (b) a lightweight bag or cover, usually having a full-length zip down the front, which is designed to protect a suit when it is not being worn. ΘΚΠ society > travel > aspects of travel > a journey > [noun] > luggage > travelling bag cloak-bagc1540 mallet1612 Peter1667 sac de nuit1814 carpet-bag1830 roll-up1831 pikau1836 travelling bag1838 swag1853 suit bag1869 bluey1878 Matilda1889 shiralee1892 port1898 handgrip1915 sea-bag1918 blanket pack1920 weekender1929 valpack1934 weekend bag1946 swag bag1951 the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > set or suit of clothes > [noun] > protective covering for suit bag1948 1869 Wisconsin State Jrnl. 29 Sept. List of Entries for the State Fair... Suit bags, clothing; 6 skeins yarn; 1 pair socks; 1 pair woolen mittens. 1891 Preston Chron. 1 Aug. 5/4 The ladies gave the respective bridegrooms each a suit bag, with silver fittings. 1948 Independent Record (Helena, Montana) 16 July 12/1 (advt.) Genuine Vinyl Plastic Garment Bags..54-inch dress bag and 42-inch suit bag. 2006 Independent 12 Aug. 34/5 All those anti-social, disorganised people who clutter up aircraft cabins with their suit bags, oversized luggage and shopping in defiance of airline rules. † suit-breeder n. Obsolete a person who promotes or encourages legal prosecutions. ΘΚΠ society > law > administration of justice > court proceedings or procedure > action of courts in claims or grievances > party in litigation > [noun] > a promoter of lawsuits suit-jogger1630 suit-breeder1691 1691 T. Shadwell Scowrers ii. i. 12 Attorneys, those Suit-breeders, those Litigious Rogues. 1868 Arthur's Home Mag. Sept. 163/2 But from pettifoggers, suit-breeders, and strife-promoters, all ingenuous people shrink, as from reptiles. † suit-broker n. Obsolete a person who makes a business of procuring a favourable hearing for suits or petitions; cf. suit-jogger n. ΘΚΠ society > law > legal profession > lawyer > [noun] > legal representative or agent > other legal agents pettifactor1586 suit-broker1632 literary executor1797 paralegal1969 1632 P. Massinger Maid of Honour ii. ii. sig. D4 A suit-broker in Court. suit dress n. (originally) a woman's suit consisting of a skirt or dress and a matching jacket; (now also) a dress designed to be worn as part of such a suit. ΘΚΠ the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > set or suit of clothes > [noun] > for specific people > for women > other ensemble1802 Bloomer costume1851 coat and skirt1895 blouse suit1905 jumper suit1908 suit dress1917 tailleur1923 twin set1937 salwar-kameez1955 co-ordinates1959 theatre suit1964 trikini1967 the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > clothing for body or trunk (and limbs) > [noun] > dress, robe, or gown > types of > other gite13.. long dress1731 Jesuit1767 Brunswick1769 overdress1812 fancy dress1826 agbada1852 stone-bluea1855 low-neck1858 Dolly Varden1872 sundress1875 frump1886 harem dress1911 kimono gowna1922 gina-gina1923 dirndl1937 qipao1955 cheongsam1957 sack dress1957 tent dress1957 gomesi1965 minidress1965 poncho dress1968 longuette1970 anarkali1988 suit dress2017 1917 Washington Post 18 Feb. f3/1 What is termed the suit dress..is..a two-piece dress with skirt and slip-on or button-up coat blouse. 1948 Mod. Screen Apr. 72 Spring two-piecers... Here's a sweet neat little suit dress to ooh and ah over. 2017 @dverdier01 13 July in twitter.com (accessed 20 Apr. 2019) All men had jackets off. Mine was on. Sleeveless suit dress underneath. It was sweltering! † suit-jogger n. Obsolete a person who makes a business of procuring a favourable hearing for suits or petitions; cf. suit-broker n. ΘΚΠ society > law > administration of justice > court proceedings or procedure > action of courts in claims or grievances > party in litigation > [noun] > a promoter of lawsuits suit-jogger1630 suit-breeder1691 1630 J. Taylor Great Eater of Kent 3 Proiectmongers, Suit-ioggers, and Stargazers. suit length n. a piece of material of the right size for making into a suit; also figurative. ΘΚΠ the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile fabric or an article of textile fabric > textile fabric > textile fabric for specific purpose > [noun] > for clothing > for suits > piece of suit length1860 1860 Caledonian Mercury 17 Mar. (advt.) Suit lengths sent to any part of the country, on receipt of a Post-office order. 1924 J. Joyce Let. 30 Sept. (1957) II. 221 There is now a special cheap edition..about 1/11¼ per normal novel suitlength real continental. 1971 D. Lees Rainbow Conspiracy ii. 24 The foreman weaver in most mills is allowed to take any end pieces as part of his perks... More often than not he finds himself with a suit length. 2018 @ShyamalChikan 10 Jan. in twitter.com (accessed 11 June 2019) Pure tussar silk chikankari suit lengths Whatsapp..for more details and orders. suit mark n. any of the marks distinguishing suits of cards (equivalent to spades, clubs, hearts, or diamonds in a standard modern pack). ΘΚΠ society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > card game > card or cards > [noun] > suit > distinguishing mark of suit mark1876 1876 W. H. Willshire Descriptive Catal. Playing & Other Cards in Brit. Mus. ii. 287 Each card has the suit mark stamped at the upper right-hand corner, of a size much larger than the design traced out by the engraver. 1905 Athenæum 18 Nov. 683/3 The suit-marks were possibly coins, cups, bells, and birds. 1998 Guardian 4 Mar. ii. 17/1 Polo then being unknown in Europe, these were transformed into batons or staves, which, together with swords, cups and coins, are still the traditional suitmarks of Italian and Spanish cards. suit preference signal n. Bridge a play of a card of a certain rank to indicate which suit one wishes one's partner to return. ΘΚΠ society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > card game > bridge > [noun] > actions or tactics echo1862 signal1864 Vienna Coup1864 Peter1885 Bath coup1897 promotion1900 finesse1902 switch1921 false-carding1923 squeeze1926 squeeze play1926 suicide squeeze1931 pseudo-squeeze1932 throw-in1932 suit preference signal1934 underlead1934 psyching1938 ruff and discard1939 hold-up1945 upper cut1955 safety play1959 1934 H. Lavinthal in Bridge World June 5/1 I am offering a new convention for the defense. I call this convention the High-Low Suit Preference Signal. 1981 Times 14 Nov. 17/6 Where there is any risk of confusion, suit preference signals should not be applied to the first trick. 2000 Observer 18 June (Screen section) 4/1 Everyone knows how to use suit preference signals (the concept of playing or discarding ‘irrelevant’ high cards to signal interest in a high suit, and low cards to indicate interest in a low suit) to signal the location of honours. † suit shape n. Obsolete a style or fashion of clothing. ΘΚΠ the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > [noun] wearing?c1225 guisec1275 attire1382 habita1420 shapea1425 trick1542 fashion1544 trim1579 suit shape1598 garb1608 form1664 toilet1752 macaroni dressa1777 turn-out1812 style1814 set-out1834 get-up1842 rig1843 feather1854 model1859 make-up1883 1598 J. Marston Scourge of Villanie iii. x. sig. H7^v This fashion-mounger..Contemplates sute shapes. suit-wearing adj. that wears a suit; characterized by wearing a suit and having a professional or businesslike appearance. ΘΚΠ the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > wearing clothing > [adjective] > wearing a suit or set of clothes suiteda1592 suit-wearing1885 suited-up1957 besuited1959 1885 St. Louis (Missouri) Globe-Democrat 31 May 22 (advt.) The Most Successful Suit Sale on Record! We are holding Open House daily to the Suit-Wearing Community. 1985 C. Doty What she told Him 149 I'd had a little skirmish with some suit-wearing dude. 2018 M. Obama Becoming viii. 96 I now fancied myself as the sort of suit-wearing, Saab-driving independent young professional I'd always dreamed of being. suit weight n. a type or piece of fabric of a weight or thickness suitable for making up into suits; chiefly (and earliest) as a modifier, designating fabric of this type. ΘΚΠ the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile fabric or an article of textile fabric > textile fabric > textile fabric for specific purpose > [noun] > for clothing > for suits suiting1863 suit weight1907 1907 Brookfield (Missouri) Gaz. 20 July Henley serge, suit weight, natty colors and patterns. 1911 Berskshire (Pittsfield, Mass.) Evening Eagle 17 Mar. 6/1 (advt.) Our new lines are inviting in the greatest degree, embracing the popular qualities in all the leading black and white checks. Some of them good suit weights. 1955 Archit. Rev. 117 351 (caption) Light suit-weight Cheviot tweed by Michal Illan. 1963 Guardian 10 May 8/4 Tweed, flannel or other suit-weight woollen. † suit-worth adj. Obsolete worthy of imitation. ΘΚΠ the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > worth > [adjective] dearc888 dearworthc888 worthlyeOE oughtsOE worthfulOE aughtOE richa1225 gildenc1225 of pricea1325 worthya1325 of (‥) valourc1330 prow1340 dearworthyc1374 of value1395 pricefula1400 presc1400 singularc1400 goldena1425 well-foundc1475 valiant1481 prized1487 prowousa1500 valuable1567 prizable1569 valorous1592 suit-worth1594 bully1600 estimable1600 treasurable1607 treasurous?1611 treasured1675 pearly1770 at a premium1828 keep-worthy1830 good value1842 the world > relative properties > relationship > imitation > prototype > [adjective] > exemplary paradigmatical1577 exemplary1593 suit-worth1594 exampling1605 paradigmatic1662 model1831 exemplaric1836 1594 R. Carew tr. T. Tasso Godfrey of Bulloigne v. 210 If any may sutewoorth example finde. b. Feudal Law. (Cf. branch II.) † suit court n. Obsolete the court in which tenants owe suit to their lord.Johnson in quot. 1755 attributes to (Nathan) Bailey, but this use has not been traced. ΘΚΠ society > law > administration of justice > judicial body, assembly, or court > [noun] > feudal courts > other manorial, etc., courts leet1292 view of frankpledge1495 court leet1588 customary court1628 leet-court1651 honour court1661 knighten court1701 suit court1755 1755 S. Johnson Dict. Eng. Lang. Suit Court, is the court in which tenants owe attendance to their lord. Bailey. † suit covenant n. Obsolete the obligation of attending a superior's court as a result of an agreement or covenant; cf. suit custom n. ΚΠ 1579 Rastell's Expos. Termes Lawes (new ed.) f. 183 Suit couenant is when your auncestours haue couenaunted wyth my auncestors to sue to the court of my auncestors. 1908 F. J. C. Hearnshaw Leet Jurisdict. in Eng. i. 84 The sixteenth and seventeenth century lawyers..drew distinctions between five different kinds of suit. These were..suit covenant, based on agreement [etc.]. † suit custom n. Obsolete the obligation of attending a superior's court as a result of custom; cf. suit covenant n. ΚΠ 1579 Rastell's Expos. Termes Lawes (new ed.) f. 183^v Suit custome is when I and my auncestours haue beene seysed of your owne suit and your auncestours, tyme out of minde. 1908 F. J. C. Hearnshaw Leet Jurisdict. in Eng. i. 84 The sixteenth and seventeenth century lawyers..drew distinctions between five different kinds of suit. These were..suit custom, arising out of immemorial practice [etc.]. † suit duty n. Obsolete the obligation of a tenant to grind his or her grain at a particular mill; = sense 10. ΘΚΠ society > law > legal obligation > [noun] > obligations of tenants > to have corn ground at particular mill sokenc1386 sucken1423 suitc1460 suit dutyc1460 thirl1564 astriction1619 suckening1636 c1460 in A. Clark Eng. Reg. Oseney Abbey (1907) 75 Of no Sute Dewte, by such maner, we shall axe or chalenge of þe forsaide maynye or men. † suit groat n. Obsolete a due paid in lieu of suit at court; = sense 9. ΘΚΠ society > trade and finance > fees and taxes > impost, due, or tax > payment or service to feudal superior > [noun] > payment in lieu of service > in lieu of attendance at court suit1447 suit silver1518 suit groat1555 suitor fee1582 1555 in Archaeologia (1852) 34 53 Paid for a suitt groat at the same time. 1615 Accts. St. John's Hosp., Canterbury (Canterbury Cathedral Archives: CCA-U13/5) Payd Lordis Rentis..and seut grote. † suithold n. Obsolete tenure by suit and service to a superior; cf. hold n.¹ 1b.Frequently (and earliest) as a modifier, designating land held by such a tenure. ΘΚΠ society > law > legal right > right of possession or ownership > tenure of property > [noun] > tenure by service socagea1325 escuagea1513 free or common (also free and common) socage1596 sokemanry1603 drengage1672 suithold1774 adscription1822 1774 Daily Advertiser 21 Apr. To be Sold by Auction... The Valuable Freehold and Suithold Estates of Richard Tonson, Esq. 1832 T. Coventry Treat. Stamp Laws I. ii. 283 If..a suithold or burgage tenement be transferable by lease and release enrolled in the court baron or customary court of the manor, such an estate cannot fall within the words ‘passing, by surrender and not by deed’. 1864 J. J. S. Wharton Law-lexicon (ed. 3) 868/2 Suithold, a tenure in consideration of certain services to the superior lord. 1877 Bucks Herald 14 July 4/1 To Sell by Auction..the following Freehold and part Suithold eligible Building Land. suit roll n. the roll of tenants obligated to give suit at a particular court. Now historical. ΘΚΠ society > law > legal obligation > [noun] > obligations of tenants > other obligations of tenants > tenant owing > roll of persons bound to give suit suit roll1490 society > authority > subjection > service > feudal service > [noun] > vassal > one bound to suit of court > list of suit roll1490 1490 in Rec. Parl. Scotl. to 1707 (2007) 1490/2/22 That all thai fre tenentis salbe haldin to compere and ansuer in parliament and justice airis with thare soytis and presens as efferis..and soyt rollis to be maid thareappoune. 1532 in J. B. Paul Accts. Treasurer Scotl. (1905) VI. 116 Bringand with thame the sute roll of thair Sherefdome. 1541 in W. Cramond Rec. Elgin (1903) I. 55 Quhilk day was assingit to the saidis personis to produce thair instrumentis and to be enterit in the soit roll. 1914 J. S. Clouston Rec. Earldom of Orkney Introd. p. lxxxv The suit-rolls containing their names making a practically complete list of the county gentry. 1993 Jrnl. Mod. Hist. 65 205 At least 85 percent of those on the Suit Roll regularly absented themselves. suit service n. service rendered by attendance at a lord's court; also figurative. Now historical. ΘΚΠ society > law > legal obligation > [noun] > obligations of tenants > other obligations of tenants bridgeworkOE bedrip1226 timber-lodec1400 suit and service1416 suling-man1440 presence and suit1504 homage and suit?a1509 sect of court1546 wood-carriage1557 suit service1579 sword-service1630 society > authority > subjection > service > feudal service > [noun] > suit and service suit and service1416 presence and suit1504 homage and suit?a1509 sect of court1546 suit service1579 1579 Rastell's Expos. Termes Lawes (new ed.) f. 184 Suit seruice is to sue to the..lordes court from iij. wekes to iij. wekes by y^e whole yere. 1651 tr. J. Kitchin Courts Leet (1657) 291 Suit-service is by reason of Free-hold, that is, by reason of their tenure, that is, for that they hold of their Lord by suit to his Court. 1870 D. G. Rossetti Youth's Spring-tribute 13 For this Is even the hour of Love's sworn suitservice. 1983 Amer. Jrnl. Legal Hist. 27 59 The demand for more suit service on certain occasions reflects the special care taken by courtholders to insure that their courts were provided with large numbers of suitors when dealing with matters which might attract special royal attention. † suit silver n. Obsolete (a local name for) a due paid in lieu of suit at a court; = sense 9. ΘΚΠ society > trade and finance > fees and taxes > impost, due, or tax > payment or service to feudal superior > [noun] > payment in lieu of service > in lieu of attendance at court suit1447 suit silver1518 suit groat1555 suitor fee1582 1518 in Jrnl. Prior William More (1914) 16 Sewteselver. Receved by ye hands of ye cellerar. 10s. 0d. 1670 T. Blount Νομο-λεξικον: Law-dict. Sute-silver, is a small Rent or sum of Money, which, if paid, does excuse the Freeholders from their appearance at the Court Barons within the Honor of Clun in Shropshire. 1886 Copyhold Enfranchisem. Bill 25 in House of Lords Sessional Papers (H.L. 185) III. i The word ‘suit’ shall include suit silver, hundred silver, wapentake silver, leet silver, head silver, head pence, [etc.]. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2020; most recently modified version published online June 2022). suitv. Brit. /suːt/, /sjuːt/, U.S. /sut/ Forms: α. Middle English–1700s sute, late Middle English–1500s suyt, 1500s sewt, 1500s suett, 1500s sutt- (inflected form), 1500s svte, 1500s–1600s suitt- (inflected form), 1500s–1700s suite, 1500s– suit, 1600s ssut, 1800s soot (English regional); Scottish pre-1700 seutt, pre-1700 sewte, pre-1700 sewtt- (inflected form), pre-1700 soit, pre-1700 soitt- (inflected form), pre-1700 sot, pre-1700 soute, pre-1700 soyt, pre-1700 suitt, pre-1700 sut, pre-1700 sute, pre-1700 sutt, pre-1700 sutte, pre-1700 suyt, pre-1700 suyte, pre-1700 swit, pre-1700 swite, pre-1700 swte, pre-1700 swyt, pre-1700 1700s suite, pre-1700 1700s– suit, pre-1700 (1800s– Orkney) seut, 1900s– syute. β. 1500s (1800s Irish English (northern)) shute, 1600s (1900s– Irish English (northern)) shoot, 1900s– shuit (Irish English (northern)); Scottish pre-1700 schuit, pre-1700 schuted (past participle), pre-1700 shut, 1800s– shoot, 1800s– shuit. Origin: Formed within English, by conversion. Etymon: suit n. Etymology: < suit n. Compare earlier sue v., suitor n.With the β. forms compare discussion at suit n. With sense 8b compare earlier nonsuit v. With senses 12a and 12b compare earlier suitor n. 6a. I. To be or make suitable, and related senses. 1. a. transitive. To be suitable or appropriate for (something); to be fitted or adapted to; to meet the requirements of. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > order > agreement, harmony, or congruity > suitability or appropriateness > suit or be suitable for [verb (transitive)] suit1431 queemc1540 fita1586 sort1587 suit1600 to level (a person or thing) with (now rare), to, unto1603 to comply with1626 opportunea1634 commodiate1641 commode1655 lend1854 1431 [implied in: Rolls of Parl.: Henry VI (Electronic ed.) Parl. Jan. 1431 §18. m. 8 It nys nought covenable ne suting, ne lyke to be to the plesire of God, ne of þe world; a Cristen prince to refuse pees offred with menes resonable. (at suiting adj.)]. 1603 J. Davies Microcosmos 200 What ist On Earth that shee thinks (be'ng so superfine) Worthie to suite her, but alone to reigne? 1650 W. Mure Cry of Blood 509 Tears sute the season. 1692 J. Locke 3rd Let. for Toleration x. 264 There being..no necessity of Miracles for any other end, but to supply the want of the Magistrate's Assistance, they must, to sute that end, be constant. 1785 W. Cowper Task i. 106 The Sofa suits The gouty limb. 1855 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. IV. xx. 453 One poet is the eagle: another is the swan: a third modestly compares himself to the bee. But none of these types would have suited Montague. 1875 B. Jowett in tr. Plato Dialogues (ed. 2) III. 591 His own explanation did not suit all phenomena. 2018 Daily Tel. (Nexis) 27 Dec. 6 In the future, we could..design their breast cancer therapy to suit their type of cancer. b. transitive. To complement or be in accord with (something); esp. to be becoming to (a person or his or her figure, features, etc.).Quot. shows person as subject, a common construction in Scottish use and in Irish English (northern). ΘΚΠ the mind > attention and judgement > beautification > beautify [verb (transitive)] > be becoming to or set off becomec1314 commend1535 advancea1555 comely1573 outseta1578 countenance?1578 to set out1586 to stick off1613 to set offa1616 suit1655 to put off1700 advantage1748 approve1849 flatter1904 1655 R. Loveday tr. G. de Costes de La Calprenède Hymen's Præludia: 3rd Pt. i. 21 Her head was crown'd with a prodigious quantity of faire long haire, whereof the colour as fitly suited the beauty of her Eyes, as imagination could make it. 1811 J. Baillie Let. 16 Dec. (1999) I. ii. 117 This measure..does not suit the tune as you have it set in the music you sent me. 1819 W. Scott Ivanhoe III. v. 129 It suits not our condition to hold with thee long communication. 1884 G. Allen Philistia II. 5 It suits your complexion admirably. 1932 ‘E. M. Delafield’ Thank Heaven Fasting ii. i. 156 Run upstairs and put on the green velveteen. It suits you. 1990 L. Todd Words Apart 153 You suit that dress lovely. 2005 Hair Ideas Dec. 37/2 Choose an undertone that suits your skin colour. c. transitive. To be favourable to the health or condition of (a person, part of his or her body, etc.); to be good for. Now rare.Quot. 2015 may simply show contextual use of sense 1a. ΘΚΠ the world > health and disease > make healthy [verb (transitive)] > suit one's health agree1543 suit1814 1814 W. Scott Diary 16 Aug. in J. G. Lockhart Mem. Life Scott (1837) III. v. 201 The wet and boggy walk not suiting his gout. 1861 Baroness Bunsen in A. J. C. Hare Life & Lett. Baroness Bunsen (1879) II. v. 289 It does not suit my eyes to employ them by candlelight. 1882 Med. Temp. Jrnl. 1 128 What suits us we think ought to suit..other people. 2015 Malta Today (Nexis) 24 Dec. I decided to move to Malta because a doctor had recommended a warm climate to better suit my health. 2. transitive. To be agreeable or convenient to (a person or his or her inclinations, plans, etc.).See also suit yourself at Phrases 2. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > advantage > convenience > be convenient to [verb (transitive)] suit1570 accommodate1608 convenience1630 1570 R. Sempill Poysonit Schot (single sheet) Quhat plesis them the same the pepill suittis. c1600 R. Lindsay Hist. & Cron. Scotl. (1899) II. 254 The lordis of Edinburgh..thocht to have taine the same and suitted nocht my lord of Mortounis men of weir. 1719 in W. Mure Select. Family Papers Caldwell (1854) I. 238 Either to answer or not, as best suits your conveniency. 1786 T. Jefferson Writings (1859) II. 3 It is only to keep alive pretensions which may authorize the commencement of hostilities when it shall suit them. 1812 Ld. Byron Childe Harold: Cantos I & II i. iii. 4 But whence his name And lineage long, it suits me not to say. 1889 J. K. Jerome Three Men in Boat 17 Harris said that the river would suit him to a ‘T’. 1894 H. Caine Manxman iii. xix. 190 Then came the change of the day to suit his supposed convenience. 2010 J. Powell Breaking of Eggs (2011) vi. 101 It is not a life that I would choose for myself, of course, but I can see that it suits you. †3. transitive. To supply a parallel example of (something); to match or correspond to (something). Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > relationship > equality or equivalence > make equal [verb (transitive)] > be equal to or match to be even witheOE match?1529 countervail1530 even1582 suit1583 patterna1586 amate1590 proportionate1590 parallela1594 fellow1596 to hold its level with1598 adequate1599 coequal1599 twin1605 paragonize1606 peer1614 to come upa1616 proportiona1616 paragon1620 parallelize1620 tail1639 to match up to (also with)1958 1583 H. Howard Defensatiue sig. Ff^v These examples may be suted with the like of christen Princes. 1589 J. Lyly Pappe with Hatchet sig. D4 I haue taken an inuentorie of al thy..rakehell tearmes, and could sute them in no place but in Bedlam and Bridewell. 1739 P. Doddridge Family Expositor I. iii. 8 Our Version may be consistent with the Truth, and most exactly suits the Order of the Words in the Original. 1781 H. Newdigate Let. 27 Sept. in A. E. Newdigate-Newdegate Cheverels (1898) iii. 32 My Brother has Knives & forks also made to suit his Silver ones, so exact that they can't be distinguish'd. 4. a. intransitive. To complement or be in accord with something. Now rare. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > order > agreement, harmony, or congruity > agree/be in harmony/be congruous [verb (intransitive)] accord1340 cord1340 concordc1374 agree1447 to stand togetherc1449 rhyme?a1475 commonc1475 gree?a1513 correspond1529 consent1540 cotton1567 pan1572 reciprocate1574 concur1576 meet1579 suit1589 sorta1592 condog1592 square1592 fit1594 congrue1600 sympathize1601 symbolize1605 to go even1607 coherea1616 congreea1616 hita1616 piece1622 to fall in1626 harmonize1629 consist1638 comply1645 shadow1648 quare1651 atonea1657 symphonize1661 syncretize1675 chime1690 jibe1813 consone1873 the world > action or operation > advantage > expediency > be expedient or advisable [verb (intransitive)] > be suitable, opportune, or convenient suit1589 sort1595 the world > relative properties > order > agreement, harmony, or congruity > suitability or appropriateness > be suitable, appropriate, or suit [verb (intransitive)] fayc1300 sita1393 applya1450 fadec1475 frame?1518 agree1534 compete?1541 fadge1578 suit1589 apt1596 suit1601 quadrate1670 gee1699 the world > relative properties > order > agreement, harmony, or congruity > agree/be in harmony/be congruous [verb (intransitive)] > be compatible > match, go, or fit together suit1589 besort1608 match1850 go1940 1589 J. Throckmorton M. Some laid Open in his Coulers 50 Then belike her Maiestie, is noe visible member of the Church, for that would haue suted well with the rest of these prety ifs. a1616 W. Shakespeare Macbeth (1623) ii. i. 60 For feare Thy very stones prate of my where-about, And take the present horror from the time, Which now sutes with it. View more context for this quotation 1681 J. Dryden Absalom & Achitophel 15 This Advice above the rest, With Absalom's Mild nature suited best. 1719 D. Defoe Farther Adventures Robinson Crusoe 248 I have a Project to communicate to you, which, as it suits with my Thoughts, may..suit with your's also. 1785 G. Crabbe News-paper 1 A busy, bustling time, Suits ill with writers, very ill with rhyme. 1815 W. Scott Guy Mannering II. 117 His walking-dress..had so much of a military character as suited not amiss with his having such a weapon. 1859 Habits Good Society iv. 174 The shawl is affronted with the gown; the bonnet is made to suit with both. 2018 @alyciasheaven 30 May in twitter.com (accessed 21 May 2019) I know what suits with my face and that cut isn't my style. b. intransitive. With to. To be appropriate or suitable for; to accord with. Now rare. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > order > agreement, harmony, or congruity > suitability or appropriateness > be suitable, appropriate, or suit [verb (intransitive)] > be fitting or proper i-burec1000 shallc1000 belongOE becomec1175 fallc1175 beliea1225 ferea1300 longc1350 beseemc1384 pertainc1384 it is worthy thata1398 accordc1400 foldc1400 affeir1415 fit1574 suit?1591 sort1595 ?1591 H. Barrow Brief Discouerie False Church 192 From these ancient defections haue these learned reforming Priests drawen their platforme of reformation, as best suting to the estimation of their persons. 1632 T. Hawkins tr. P. Matthieu Vnhappy Prosperitie 241 Time cooperateth with his industry, and fortune sutes to his vigilance. 1690 T. Burnet Rev. Theory of Earth 29 (note) A Text, that does not suit to their own Notions. 1700 J. Dryden tr. G. Boccaccio Sigismonda & Guiscardo in Fables 125 She cast her Eyes around the Court, to find A worthy Subject suiting to her Mind. 1827 J. Bentham Rationale Judicial Evid. II. iii. vi. 136 Such solicitations as it suited not to him to make. 2019 @AUKhanOfficial 10 June in twitter.com (accessed 24 July 2019) Insulting the men who are doing their duties does not suit to a senator and a lawmaker. c. intransitive. Without construction. To agree or be in accord; to be appropriate or suitable. Frequently of two or more people or things; formerly also with together. ΚΠ 1600 L. Thomas Demegoriai sig. C8 But hauing finished his work of creation, & taking a perfect view of al that he had made, finding that all things did agree & sute together..then he pronounced..it was exceeding good. 1607 J. Norden Surueyors Dialogue iii. 84 Great houses with small reuenewes, cannot sute well. 1784 in G. Washington Papers (1992) Confederation Ser. II. 248 Mousseux Wines do not suit in your Country on account of the heat which bursts them. 1816 J. Austen Emma III. ii. 20 Frank Churchill is a capital dancer, I understand.—We shall see if our styles suit . View more context for this quotation 1825 T. Hook Sayings & Doings 2nd Ser. II. 278 That's well, Sir,..that will suit well. 1971 ‘D. Halliday’ Dolly & Doctor Bird xiii. 193 I've done an Eysenck personality inventory on you both... You wouldn't suit. 2016 C. E. Morgan Sport of Kings ii. 163 The man came on, smiling slightly in a pinched way, but the smile didn't suit, like too-tight Sunday clothes on a roughneck. d. intransitive. With for. To be appropriate or suitable for something. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > order > agreement, harmony, or congruity > suitability or appropriateness > be suitable, appropriate, or suit [verb (intransitive)] fayc1300 sita1393 applya1450 fadec1475 frame?1518 agree1534 compete?1541 fadge1578 suit1589 apt1596 suit1601 quadrate1670 gee1699 1601 J. Chamber Astronomiae Encomium 34 in Treat. against Iudicial Astrol. How rash or foolish, or both, they are, which contemne and despise Astronomy, and al mathematiques, as tending to pleasure and pastime, rather then to any vse, or profit, suting wel for quiet, but not for troublesome times. 1793 Earl of Dundonald Descr. Estate Culross 5 The bands of Iron Stone are numerous,..suiting partly for Forge and partly for Melting Iron. 2014 A. Scherp in E. Spyrou et al. Semantic Multimedia Anal. & Processing xiii. 361 The template-based approach for multimedia personalization suits well for applications in which content selection can be split into several database requests. 5. a. transitive. To make (something) appropriate or agreeable; to fit or tailor (something) to a purpose, situation, etc.; to adapt or change (something) so that it agrees or is in accord with another. Also reflexive. Chiefly with to.See also to suit the action to the word at Phrases 1. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > order > agreement, harmony, or congruity > adaptation or adjustment > adapt or adjust [verb (transitive)] afaite?c1225 ablea1400 reducec1450 fashion1526 adapt1531 framec1537 handsome1555 accommode1567 apt?1578 square1578 fit1580 coapt1586 commodate1595 suit1595 dispose1602 adjust1611 agence1633 adaptate1638 plya1657 the world > relative properties > order > agreement, harmony, or congruity > suitability or appropriateness > suit or be suitable for [verb (transitive)] > make or select as appropriate to > make suitable adapt1531 apt?1578 coapt1586 appropriate1594 suit1595 fit1600 dispose1602 adaptate1638 meeten1807 the world > relative properties > order > agreement, harmony, or congruity > suitability or appropriateness > make suitable [verb (reflexive)] suit1710 1595 R. Southwell Triumphs ouer Death sig. B2^v She suted her behauiour to her birth, and ennobled her birth with her piety, leauing her house more beholding to her for hauing honoured it with the glorie of her vertues, then she was to it for the titles of her degree. 1611 T. Heywood Golden Age ii. sig. D2^v Oh sute your pitty with your Angell-beauty. 1621 F. Quarles Hadassa sig. F3^v The King commands the seruants of his State, To suit Respect to Hamans high estate. 1710 Ld. Shaftesbury Soliloquy 47 He..sutes himself to the Fancy of his Reader. 1831 W. Scott Castle Dangerous ii, in Tales of my Landlord 4th Ser. IV. 26 [They] took care to suit their answers to the questions put to them. 1844 A. W. Kinglake Eothen xvii. 272 The peculiar way in which you are obliged to suit yourself to the movements of the beast [sc. a camel]. 1989 P. van der Merwe Origins Pop. Style (1992) v. 33 Musicians may control the accompanying dance, choreograph it almost, carefully suiting the music to the mood of the dancers. b. transitive. In passive. To be suitable, becoming, or convenient; = senses 1, 2.Often difficult to distinguish from predicative uses of the adjective (see suited adj.²). ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > order > agreement, harmony, or congruity > suitability or appropriateness > suit or be suitable for [verb (transitive)] suit1431 queemc1540 fita1586 sort1587 suit1600 to level (a person or thing) with (now rare), to, unto1603 to comply with1626 opportunea1634 commodiate1641 commode1655 lend1854 1600 W. Shakespeare Merchant of Venice iii. v. 60 O deare discretion, how his words are suted . View more context for this quotation a1626 W. Rowley Birth of Merlin (1662) sig. A3^v Provided my daughters love be suited with my Grant. 1771 in ‘Junius’ Stat Nominis Umbra (1772) II. lxiii. 295 Both the law and the language are well suited to a Barrister! 1821 W. Scott Kenilworth III. xiii. 260 I ceased to consider either courts, or court-intrigues, as suited to my temper or genius. 1837 C. R. Goring & A. Pritchard Micrographia 210 They will soon..thrust themselves into situations of restraint well suited for the purpose. 1874 J. R. Green Short Hist. Eng. People vii. §3. 364 Her..policy..was one eminently suited to Elizabeth's peculiar powers. 2013 New Yorker 14 Oct. 42/1 Purely for the sake of health insurance, people stay in jobs they aren't suited to. †6. intransitive. To act in accordance with or conform to. Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > behaviour > a standard of conduct > act in accordance with [verb (transitive)] goOE sue?c1335 suit1647 act1649 to live up to1650 assimilate1792 1647 N. Bacon Hist. Disc. Govt. 52 In matters of action [they] would suite with the occasion. 1647 N. Bacon Hist. Disc. Govt. 218 Two Ordinances made by the King and such Lords as suted to the Kings way. a1660 Aphorismical Discov. in J. T. Gilbert Contemp. Hist. Ireland (1879) I. 176 Taaffe was comaunded by the Councell, (as..sutinge to theire factious principles) to marche with his armie. †II. To perform the feudal obligation of suit (suit n. 7), and related senses. 7. intransitive. Feudal Law. With to. Of a tenant: to perform the obligation of attendance at a superior's court. Also in extended use: to seek out or have recourse to someone or something. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > advantage > usefulness > use (made of things) > recourse > have recourse to [verb (transitive)] fang855 runOE to take to ——?c1225 seeka1300 goc1390 to have (one's or a) recourse toc1405 recourse?a1425 suit1450 to take (also make or make one's) recourse to (also into)c1456 repairc1475 to fall to ——1490 recur1511 to take unto ——1553 flee1563 betake1590 retreat1650 to call on ——1721 devolve1744 to draw upon ——1800 to draw on ——a1817 1450 in J. Robertson Illustr. Topogr. & Antiq. Aberdeen & Banff (1857) III. 135 The quhilk [tenants] sal mak service to the lordis miln and smithy..and sal ever soyt to the lordis courtis. ?c1450 Life St. Cuthbert (1891) l. 3575 (MED) Shrewes þan on happ sall suyt To my body for refuyt. III. To pursue, seek to obtain, and related senses. †8. a. transitive. Scottish. To make an application or appeal for (something). Also: to sue for (something) in a court of law. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ society > law > administration of justice > process, writ, warrant, or order > [verb (transitive)] > apply for or enforce legal process suea1325 to sue out (also forth)?c1425 suit1504 to put in suit1579 1504 Extracts Rec. in W. Chambers Charters Burgh Peebles (1872) 199 xxiiij of the best nychtburis of the towne..to soit and rasaif the cont of thair comoun guddis. 1567 in P. F. Tytler Hist. Scotl. (1864) III. 248 The nobility are of mind to suit assistance of the queen. 1573–4 in J. H. Burton Reg. Privy Council Scotl. (1878) 1st Ser. II. 330 The coistis..and interes sustenit..aucht to be sutit and persewit alsua befoir the saidis Judgeis. 1598 in J. Row Hist. Kirk Scotl. (1842) 190 It is caried..that the Kirk..should sute vote in Parliament. 1633 W. Struther True Happines 49 If we had merite to deserve it, we needed not Suit it of God. 1710 in Minutes of Evid. Nairne Peerage (1873) 44 in Sessional Papers House of Lords (H.L. A) XII. 65 What else he may suite ask claim and crave. b. transitive. To make an application or appeal to (a person); to petition or entreat. Also: to bring a lawsuit against (a person); to sue. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ society > law > administration of justice > court proceedings or procedure > action of courts in claims or grievances > carry on or institute (an action) [verb (transitive)] > sue or institute action against pleada1325 implead1387 follow1389 pursue1454 process1493 to put in suit1495 to call (a person) unto the law?a1513 sue1526 suit1560 prosecute1579 to fetch a person over the hips1587 trounce1638 law1647 prosecute1656 action1734 to fetch law of1832 court1847 chicane1865 actionize1871 run1891 1560 W. Maitland Let. 20 Jan. in W. Robertson Wks. (1824) III. App. ii. 125 Then sall they not fayle to sute zow in zour awne countrey. 1566–7 in J. H. Burton Reg. Privy Council Scotl. (1877) 1st Ser. I. 503 The Quenis Majestie, being ernistlie suitit be the Quene of Inglandis ambassatouris..for payment. c1610 J. Melville Mem. Own Life (1735) 348 The King of Scotland was suiting her Majesty for an Alliance. a1653 H. Binning Serm. (1845) 272 Let Wisdom have but a patient hearing,..and she will carry it off from all that suit you. †9. intransitive. To make an application or appeal for something; to petition or entreat to, unto, or of a person. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > request > make a request [verb (intransitive)] > to, of, or upon someone clepec825 cryc1290 to pray (one) of a boon1393 to call on ——a1400 to seek on (also upon)a1400 to call upon ——c1405 sue1405 supplicate1417 peala1425 labour1442 to make suit1447–8 supply1489 suit1526 appeal1540 apply1554 incalla1572 invocate1582 beg1600 palaver1859 1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection ii. sig. Siii^v These holy fathers knowyng their owne conscience clere..hauynge no recorde of man to declare them..sewted to almyghty god. 1567 in P. F. Tytler Hist. Scotl. (1864) III. 247 I am so suited to for to enterprise the revenge. 1679 C. Ness Protestant Antidote Popery 90 God loves to be suited unto by saints and angels. 1719 in W. Mure Select. Family Papers Caldwell (1854) I. 238 I'm ready to think that your lordship's friendship may give it to either of the gentlemen who now suit for it. †10. transitive. Scottish. To seek to obtain (something); to aim at. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > will > intention > intend [verb (transitive)] > have as purpose or object followeOE studylOE turna1200 pursuea1382 purposec1384 to shoot atc1407 ensue1483 proponea1500 studyc1503 prick1545 tread1551 suit1560 to go for ——1568 to set (up) one's rest1572 expect1578 propose1584 propound1596 aima1616 scope1668 to set up1691 aim1821 to go in for1835 to be out for1887 to be flat out for1930 target1966 shoot1967 1560 W. Maitland Let. 20 Jan. in W. Robertson Wks. (1824) III. App. ii. 121 Gif by zour frendly support..ze sall declare that not only sute ze not the ruyne off our country, but will [etc.]. 1587 in D. Masson Reg. Privy Council Scotl. (1881) 1st Ser. IV. 197 Minassing and avowing to sute the lyveis of his tennentis. c1590 J. Stewart Poems (1913) 218 His mercie great..Quhilk gif ȝe sute..Ȝit he vill led ȝow from that haples place. 1686 J. Renwick Let. 18 Feb. in A. Shields Life J. Renwick (1724) 232 He [sc. Christ] suites the Creatures Affection, as if it were of some Worth. †11. transitive. Scottish. To pursue or follow (a person). Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > movement > progressive motion > order of movement > following behind > follow [verb (transitive)] followeOE asuec1300 suec1300 underfollow1382 succeedc1485 ensue?a1500 suit1582 to traik after1818 trail1915 1582 in D. Masson Reg. Privy Council Scotl. (1880) 1st Ser. III. 525 The saidis personis..in lyke maner sutit Johnne Blak,..and wald have brokin up his durris. c1590 J. Stewart Poems (1913) 69 The precelling Paladeine..In sutting him with diligence did tend Quhair thair occurs sic cursit canckerd cair. 12. †a. transitive. Chiefly Scottish. Of a man: to engage in behaviour intended to persuade (a woman) to marry him; to court, woo. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > emotion > love > courtship or wooing > court or woo [verb (transitive)] wooc1290 court1580 suitc1586 accourt1590 suitor1672 address1700 gallantize1728 philander1787 to stick up1830 spark1888 romance1931 lumber1938 society > society and the community > kinship or relationship > marriage or wedlock > seeking marriage > seek in marriage [verb (transitive)] > court or woo wooc1290 court1580 suitc1586 accourt1590 sue1596 pretend1652 suitor1672 to make or pay (one's) court to1716 c1586 J. Stewart Poems (1913) 60 ‘Desist,’ sayis he, ‘sute not my ladie brycht.’ 1615 R. Brathwait Loves Labyrinth 36 in Strappado Sewing, and suting Thysbe for his bride. 1630 S. Rutherford Lett. (1863) I. vii. 53 The Lord, who is suiting you in marriage. a1639 J. Spottiswood Hist. Church Scotl. (1677) ii. 105 He was..sent Ambassador to..the Emperor, to suit his daughter Margaret in marriage. a1698 W. Row Contin. in R. Blair Life (1848) (modernized text) xii. 527 Lady Margaret Kennedy had lived a virgin unmarried, (though suited by severals). b. intransitive. Of a man: to engage in behaviour intended to persuade a woman to marry him. Now rare and chiefly archaic. ΘΚΠ society > society and the community > kinship or relationship > marriage or wedlock > seeking marriage > [verb (intransitive)] > be a suitor wooa1050 sue?1507 suit?c1600 suitor1777 ?c1600 A. Montgomerie Poems (1910) 221 First serve, syne sute,..gif thow intend to win thy ladyis grace. 1639 N. N. tr. J. Du Bosc Compl. Woman ii. 58 Iberina..who had a mind to as many men as suited unto her. 2016 C. R. Langley Worship, Civil War & Community, 1638–1660 ii. 58 The session dealt with a variety of cases of English soldiers suiting for marriage with local women in 1654. †IV. To arrange in a set or in order, and related senses. 13. transitive. To arrange (several things) in a set, sequence, or series; to put in order, sort. Also with forth. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > space > relative position > arrangement or fact of being arranged > arrange [verb (transitive)] stightc825 fadec1020 orderc1225 adightc1275 dightc1275 castc1320 raila1350 form1362 stightlea1375 rayc1380 informa1382 disposea1387 throwc1390 addressa1393 shifta1400 rengea1425 to set forth?c1450 rule1488 rummage1544 marshalc1547 place1548 suit1552 dispone1558 plat1587 enrange1590 draw1663 range1711 arrange1791 to lay out1848 1552 in Archaeologia Cantiana (1872) 8 104 Item iij bells in the steple suted. 1554 in A. Feuillerat Documents Office of Revels Edward VI (1914) 159 Svting performynge and puttinge the same in aredynes to be engrosed. 1586 A. Day Eng. Secretorie i. sig. M8^v Ther are letters also might be suted vnder this form. 1592 A. Day Eng. Secretorie (rev. ed.) i. sig. E2^v All which I referre to their peculiar places each one, as they are suted forth to be in their kinds deliuered. 1608 E. Topsell Hist. Serpents 270 As for separating,..carding, or suting their stuffe, they are very Bunglers. 1655 E. Terry Voy. E.-India 385 The Company sent the Mogol..an able Coach-man, to sute and mannage some of his excellent Horses. 1695 R. Blackmore Prince Arthur ii. 37 He..suits and ranges Natures that agree. 14. intransitive. Of people: to range themselves. Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ the world > space > place > position or situation > be positioned or situated [verb (intransitive)] > take up position to take (a tree) to stallc1275 pitch1535 range1582 suit1591 to take (up) (one's) station?1596 to fall in1627 to take ground1700 fix1710 to take one's (also a) perch1871 post1872 1591 H. Savile tr. Tacitus Ende of Nero: Fower Bks. Hist. i. 36 As the rest of the souldiers suted on sides. V. To clothe, and related senses. †15. transitive. Scottish. Perhaps: to equip. Obsolete.In quot. 1572 it is unclear exactly what blind man refers to, but it may be a hidden watchtower. The use of suit here may be a figurative extension of the sense ‘to clothe’ (although this is first attested slightly later: see sense 17), perhaps punning on blind man. ΘΚΠ the mind > possession > supply > provide or supply (something) [verb (transitive)] > provide or supply (a person or thing) with anything > equip or outfit frameOE dightc1275 fayc1275 graith1297 attire1330 purveyc1330 shapec1330 apparel1366 harnessc1380 ordaina1387 addressa1393 array1393 pare1393 feata1400 point1449 reparel?c1450 provide1465 fortify1470 emparel1480 appoint1490 deck?15.. equip1523 trim1523 accoutre1533 furnish1548 accommodate1552 fraught1571 suit1572 to furnish up1573 to furnish out1577 rig1579 to set out1585 equipage1590 outreik1591 befit1598 to furnish forth1600 fita1616 to fit up1670 outrig1681 to fit out1722 mount?1775 outfit1798 habilitate1824 arm1860 to fake out1871 heel1873 1572 Extracts Rec. in W. Chambers Charters Burgh Peebles (1872) 343 The counsale..ordanis ane blynd man to be suttit and quhat ressonabill compositioun thai mak to releif the sutour thairof; and ordanis Johne Hay, James Hoppringill [etc.]..to sut diligently the said blind man. 16. a. transitive (reflexive). To dress oneself; to provide oneself with clothing. Now somewhat archaic. ΘΚΠ the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > providing with clothing > provide with clothing [verb (reflexive)] buska1350 arraya1400 richc1400 to make ready?a1425 enhabitc1485 revestera1500 dress1533 suit1576 rig1662 1576 R. Peterson tr. G. della Casa Galateo 110 I could neuer commend King Manfrede, Whoe euer more vsed, to suite him selfe in greene. Wee must then haue a care, that our apparell be not onely wel made for the bodie: but that it be meete for our calling. 1609 S. Rowlands Famous Hist. Guy Earle of Warwick 23 My Armour shall be black! I'le suit me in a mournful Iron-shell. a1616 W. Shakespeare As you like It (1623) i. iii. 115 Were it not better..That I did suite me all points like a man? View more context for this quotation 1624 T. Heywood Γυναικεῖον i. 25 Any man that hath bought cloath to suite himself. 1822 W. Jameson in Mem. & Lett. (1845) 80 One who suits himself only once a year. 1992 A. F. Eagle Alcatraz! Alcatraz! 24 I outfitted my small son Addie with the head of a fox-fur stole I'd found at a Goodwill store and suited myself in a turkey-feather approximation of something Chippewa. b. transitive. To provide (a person) with a suit of clothes; to clothe, dress. Chiefly in passive. Now somewhat archaic. ΘΚΠ the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > providing with clothing > provide with clothing [verb (transitive)] wrya901 clothec950 shride971 aturnc1220 begoa1225 array1297 graith1297 agraithc1300 geara1325 cleadc1325 adightc1330 apparel1362 back1362 shape1362 attirea1375 parela1375 tirea1375 rayc1390 addressa1393 coverc1394 aguisea1400 scredea1400 shrouda1400 bedightc1400 buskc1400 harnessc1400 hatterc1400 revesta1449 able1449 dressa1450 reparel?c1450 adub?1473 endue?a1475 afaite1484 revestera1500 beclothe1509 trimc1516 riga1535 invest1540 vesture1555 suit1577 clad1579 investure1582 vest1582 deck1587 habit1594 to make ready1596 caparison1597 skin1601 shadow1608 garment1614 riga1625 raiment1656 garb1673 equip1695 to fit out1722 encase1725 tog1793 trick1821 to fig out1825 enclothe1832 toilet1842 to get up1858 habilitate1885 tailor1885 kit1919 1577 R. Stanyhurst Hist. Irelande iii. 105/2 in R. Holinshed Chron. I He woulde not..buy a sute of apparell for himselfe, but hee woulde sute hir [sc. his wife] with the same stuffe. 1599 T. Heywood 1st Pt. King Edward IV sig. B^v Birchin lane shall sute vs. 1600 W. Shakespeare Merchant of Venice i. ii. 71 How odly hee is suted, I thinke he bought his doublet in Italie. View more context for this quotation a1661 T. Fuller Worthies (1662) Cambr. 161 I will suit you (if so pleased,) with a light habit. 1829 J. Sterling Ess. & Tales (1848) I. 85 More solemnly suited with black, he was placed in a room hung round with faded green. 1887 Pall Mall Gaz. 12 Feb. 4/1 No caparisoned beasts..suited in burnished mail..but sturdy steeds. 2015 P. Graeme-Evans Wild Wood 86 The look on my brother's face was grim, and he was suited in a steel hauberk. †c. transitive. figurative and in figurative contexts: to provide with metaphorical clothing of the specified kind. Chiefly in passive. Obsolete. ΚΠ 1589 T. Nashe Anat. Absurditie Ep. Ded. sig. ¶iii^v Fortune..suted poore Flaunders and Fraunce in her frownes, & saluted Englands soule with a smoothed forehead. 1594 J. Dickenson Arisbas To Rdr. sig. A iij^v His Fame..suted in robes of immortalitie,..towres to the cloudes. 1628 G. Wither Britain's Remembrancer ii. 55 Yea, many times he suites His Deity in our poore attributes. 1633 Bp. J. Hall Plaine Explic. Hard Texts i. 363 Wherefore then, O Saviour, art thou thus suited in crimson, & dyed red with blood? †17. transitive. To provide (a person) with something or someone. Chiefly in passive (or reflexive): to be provided (or provide oneself) with something desired, in such a manner as to please or satisfy one. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > emotion > pleasure > contentment or satisfaction > be contented [verb (reflexive)] to content one's mind1502 suit1590 the mind > possession > supply > provide or supply (something) [verb (transitive)] > provide or supply (a person or thing) with anything > with what is suitable accommodate1582 suit1590 mate1594 commode1636 1590 T. Lodge Rosalynde: Euphues Golden Legacie sig. D3^v Montanus suted himselfe with the cost of many of his flocks to be gallant against that day. 1642 D. Rogers Naaman 45 God..sutes the one with willingnesse to be holpen, and the other with readinesse to helpe. 1782 W. Cowper John Gilpin 58 'Twas long before the customers Were suited to their mind. 1846 C. Dickens Dombey & Son (1848) ii. 9 I hope you are suited, my dear. 1852 W. M. Thackeray Henry Esmond III. iii. 97 I am thinking of retiring into the plantations, and..if I want company, suiting myself with a squaw. Phrases P1. to suit the action to the word and variants: to do what one has stated; to carry out a promise, threat, etc. ΚΠ 1604 W. Shakespeare Hamlet iii. ii. 17 Sute the action to the word, the word to the action. View more context for this quotation 1865 C. Dickens Our Mutual Friend II. iv. xiv. 281 ‘I mean to knock your head against the wall,’ returned John Harmon, suiting his action to his words, with the heartiest good will. 1966 G. Greene Comedians i. i. 13 ‘I don't touch it myself,’ Jones said. ‘I drink it,’ and he suited the action to the words. 2001 M. Jennings Poor Tom is Cold (2012) xiii. 120 ‘I just want to get back to sleep, if you don't mind.’ She suited her actions to her words and quickly got into bed and under the covers. P2. colloquial. suit yourself: do (or think) as you please. Chiefly used (typically in response to a statement) to express disinterest or annoyance: ‘have it your way’, ‘please yourself’. ΘΚΠ the mind > will > wish or inclination > wish or be disposed or inclined [verb] > do as one wishes to have (also get, take) one's (own) way1549 to take one's willc1565 to have everything one's own way1653 to have it all one's own way1653 to do one's (own) thing1841 suit yourself1860 1860 C. Carrol Mary Payson's Trials ii, in Ladies' Repository Sept. 526/2 Mr. Grey..ending, as he always did with any piece of advice, with, ‘however, suit yourself.’ 1897 R. Kipling Captains Courageous i. 21 ‘You stole it.’ ‘Suit yourself. We stole it ef it's any comfort to you.’ 1932 W. Faulkner Light in August xxi. 478 ‘I reckon I'll ride back here,’ she says... ‘Suit yourself,’ I says. And we drove off. 1953 K. Tennant Joyful Condemned xiii. 120 ‘Just suit yourself.’ Miss Pilcher shrugged her broad shoulders. 2013 C. Tsiolkas Barracuda (2014) 161 ‘What about Coach?’.. Wilco whispered, ‘No, I can only get one of you upgraded.’ ‘Then no, thanks.’ ‘Suit yourself.’ P3. to suit a person's book: see book n. Phrases 2n. Phrasal verbs With adverbs in specialized senses. to suit up 1. Originally and chiefly North American. Cf. suited-up adj. (a) at suited adj.¹ Compounds 1. a. transitive. To provide (a person) with a set of clothes or garment (such as a spacesuit, wetsuit, etc.) designed or required for a particular activity or occupation; to dress (a person) in a set of clothes or garment of such a type; frequently in passive. Also reflexive. Cf. kit v.¹ 2.In passive use often difficult to distinguish from predicative uses of the corresponding adjective (suited-up adj. (a) at suited adj.¹ Compounds 1). ΘΚΠ the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > providing with clothing > provide with clothing [verb (transitive)] > in specific way > with specific garments > other wimple?c1225 pricka1275 clothe1382 addressa1393 haspc1400 to-cloutc1430 shirtc1450 gownc1485 tuft1535 passement1539 kerchief1600 muff1607 inshirt1611 insmock1611 mode1656 costume1802 slop1803 shawl1812 cravat1818 sur-invest1827 frock1828 pinafore1843 smock1847 panoply1851 underclothe1857 upholster1873 fancy dress1878 sleeve1887 to suit up1912 crinoline1915 1912 Lawrence (Kansas) Daily Jrnl.-World 28 Feb. 4/2 Last year the team looked like a bunch of rag muffins and the University and students should see to it that the Baker team is suited up in the right manner this year. 1945 M. H. Allee Smoke Jumper iii. 24 A man suited up for smoke jumping would almost as soon fall into the fire itself as into deep water. 1970 New Yorker 24 Oct. 140/3 Yale suited up sixty men, including four quarterbacks. 1979 Tucson (Arizona) Mag. Apr. 66 (advt.) Dave Bloom and Sons will suit you up for all your active sport needs. 2007 Illawarra (Austral.) Mercury (Nexis) 9 Feb. (News section) 13 At 8am they came with a truck and suited themselves up, and by 8.30 they were pulling pieces off the house. 2019 @KaliSky_ 16 May in twitter.com (accessed 15 July 2019) For the skills work we were suited up with all the diving equipment & worked on figuring out the respirator & mask. b. intransitive. To dress oneself in a set of clothes or garment (such as a spacesuit, wetsuit, etc.) designed or required for a particular activity or occupation. ΘΚΠ the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > providing with clothing > provide with clothing [verb (intransitive)] > in specific way > in specific clothing to cover (one's head)c1340 boot1600 to be covered1611 to put on1611 robea1626 cloak1774 wrap1847 tuck1888 gown1896 flannel1919 to suit up1927 to dress down1941 1927 Ada (Okla.) Evening News 31 Aug. 2/3 We rested until 8:00 when we suited up for our first workout. 1967 Boston Sunday Herald 30 Apr. i. 22/2 Jim Lyle headed for the flight line to suit up for a routine mission aboard one of the giant radar picket planes. 1978 G. A. Sheehan Running & Being xv. 206 He will suit up and get out on the roads. 2015 N.Y. Times (National ed.) 31 May (Style section) 7/1 We suited up in the sand and headed in, me on an 11-foot soft-top surfboard. 2. Originally and chiefly North American. Cf. suited-up adj. (b) at suited adj.¹ Compounds 1. a. transitive. In passive (or reflexive). To be dressed (or dress oneself) smartly, in a suit.In passive use often difficult to distinguish from predicative uses of the corresponding adjective (suited-up adj. (b) at suited adj.¹ Compounds 1). ΚΠ 1964 Investig. Assassination President J. F. Kennedy: Hearings before President's Comm. VIII. 251 This particular instance he [sc. Oswald] was suited up; white shirt, dark suit, dark tie. 2000 Guardian (Nexis) 13 Dec. (Features section) 12 I nervously found Drew, who was suited up. 2005 K. George Winter's Tales iv. 167 Half-dressed, he does not think he can bear to ‘suit himself up’ for the evening. 2017 J. Markert Angels' Share ii. 23 Since Henry died, every morning after he suited himself up from wing tips and spats to suspenders and tie, he'd sit in the La-Z-Boy all day. b. intransitive. To dress oneself smartly, in a suit. ΚΠ 1971 College Student Jrnl. (Calif.) 5 31/2 The traditional assumption that it is desirable for staff members to ‘suit up’. 1979 Washington Post (Nexis) 15 May b5 When I get up, with the hours before I have to suit up for the office, I plunge into my housekeeping. 2014 Herald Sun (Austral.) (Nexis) 10 Mar. (News section) 6 Not usually everyday wear, it will be a fashion faux pas tomorrow not to suit up for Tuxedo Tuesday. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2020; most recently modified version published online June 2022). < n.c1300v.1431
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