Bewigs

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

  1. To furnish someone or something with an artificial covering of hair ; to place a false hairpiece on the head of a person or object
  2. Refers to supplying an individual or thing with a wig ; describes the act of setting a hairpiece upon another entity
  3. Means to adorn or cover with an artificial head of hair ; involves fitting a wig on a person or item

Etymology: The verb form related to the noun "bewig" carries a history tied to the distinctive fashion and social customs of the 17th and 18th centuries. Wigs became a prominent feature in European societies, especially among the aristocracy and judiciary. To "bewig" someone originally meant to adorn or equip that person with a wig, a practice that signified status, profession, or adherence to courtly decorum. The root of this term lies in the noun "wig," which itself emerged in English around the mid-17th century, derived from the earlier "periwig." This longer form came from the French "perruque," which in turn traces back to the Italian "parrucca," reflecting the widespread adoption of elaborate hairpieces in European fashion. The prefix "be-" in "bewig" operates as a causative, an English linguistic tool that turns nouns into verbs implying the act of applying or covering with the noun’s referent. By the late 1600s, the verb form was in use, especially in contexts involving legal or theatrical settings where wigs were mandatory or symbolic. Judges, barristers, and actors alike were often "bewigged" to conform to the conventions of authority or character portrayal. Over time, as wigs fell out of everyday fashion, the term shifted from common usage to a more historical or specialized context, often evoking the image of an era rather than a current practice. This verb’s journey reflects how clothing and appearance can influence language, transforming a simple item into a verb that encapsulates cultural rituals and social identity. The act of "bewigging" thus serves as a linguistic snapshot of a time when hairpieces were more than mere decoration—they were markers of power, profession, and propriety.

Synonyms: adorns with wigs, wears wigs

Antonyms: removes wigs, bareheaded