Equipage Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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equipage

[ษชหˆkwษชpษชdส’ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

transportation equipment

Equipage refers to the equipment, apparatus, or furnishings necessary for a particular activity or service. In a historical context, it often pertains to the ensemble of horse-drawn vehicles and the associated gear used to facilitate transportation. The term can also denote the group of people, especially attendants or crew, associated with a given vehicle or service. While it may not be commonly used in contemporary vernacular, it retains relevance in specific fields such as equestrianism and military logistics.

Synonyms

equipment, furnishings, gear, outfit, tack.

Examples of usage

  • The equipage of the carriage was quite ornate.
  • The ship's equipage included all necessary supplies for the journey.
  • She inspected the equipage before the expedition.
  • The military equipage was crucial for the success of the mission.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • In the 19th century, equipage referred to the luxurious horse carriages of the wealthy, symbolizing status.
  • Famous literary works from this era often featured characters transporting themselves in elaborate equipages.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, the style of equipage reflects social class and personal taste, particularly during royal parades.
  • The use of equipage in art history points to the importance of transportation in social dynamics, depicted in paintings and prints.

Transportation Advancement

  • As mechanization progressed, the term began to include a wider range of vehicles and their necessary accessories.
  • Modern equipage can refer to anything from bicycles to cars, emphasizing the importance of gear in transportation.

Literature

  • Classic novels often highlight equipage to set scenes; charactersโ€™ journeys and statuses are narrated through their mode of travel.
  • In poetry, equipage may symbolize life's journeys, both literal and metaphorical, emphasizing how we are presented to the world.

Origin of 'equipage'

Main points about word origin

  • Originates from the French word 'รฉquipement', meaning a set of gear or tools.
  • The term evolved in English around the 18th century, initially describing horse-drawn carriages and their accessories.

The term 'equipage' originates from the Middle French word 'equipage', which is derived from the verb 'รฉquiper', meaning 'to equip'. The French word itself traces back to the Old French 'esquipier', suggesting a historical association with equipping or preparing resources for use. This evolution indicates the term's connection to both physical apparatus and the concept of preparation for a specific task or purpose. Historically, 'equipage' was often used in relation to horses and carriages, where it described the necessary gear and attendant personnel needed for transportation. Over time, its usage expanded into various contexts, maintaining a focus on the idea of outfitting and preparing for tasks, particularly in military, nautical, and equestrian settings.


Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,216, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.