Geard

Part of speech: adjective, verb (past tense)

Definitions

1. An archaic term signifying equipment or apparatus prepared for a task ; a word used to indicate readiness or preparation for action ; a historical expression for things that are set up or made ready
2. In older usage, denoting implements or gear put in order for use ; describing the state of being made ready or equipped ; referencing objects or materials that have been prepared in advance
3. A term from historical English referring to being equipped or supplied with necessary items ; indicating the act of getting things ready for use ; relating to the concept of preparation or provisioning

Etymology: Before it meant equipment, the root of this word meant readiness. Old English had "gearu," "ready" or "prepared," and the related Old Norse "gervi" meant "apparel" or "equipment." English drew on both, so "gear" and the modern "ready" are distant cousins. The Middle English verb "geren" meant "to prepare, equip," probably borrowed from Old Norse "gera," "to make ready." "Geard" is an older spelling of the past tense of that verb, the form of "to gear" that means "fitted out with gear." The standard modern form is "geared," which has been the usual spelling for centuries, and "geard" is now found mainly in older texts. Its sense has shifted over time: a machine can be "geared" to run at a certain speed, and a person can be "geared up" for a task, which keeps the original idea of being made ready.

Synonyms: equipped, fitted, armed, outfitted, supplied

Antonyms: unequipped, disarmed, unfitted, unprepared