Sandalling

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. Fitting or equipping someone with open-strapped footwear that leaves the top of the foot exposed
2. Providing a person with light, open footwear held on by straps or thongs across the foot
3. Outfitting the feet with strappy, open shoes consisting of a sole held in place by bands

Etymology: The noun "sandal" traces back to the Greek "sandalion," a diminutive of "sandalon," meaning a wooden shoe or sole. Greek speakers may have borrowed the base word from a non-Greek language, but its exact source is uncertain. The Romans adopted it as "sandalium," and the footwear spread into Western European languages through Latin. The verb is formed from the noun by adding "-ing" to the verb "sandal," meaning to fit someone or something with sandals. Because the verb ends in a single "l" that follows a stressed vowel in the spoken form, British English doubles the "l" before "-ing," giving "sandalling," while American English keeps a single "l" and writes "sandaling."