gear

[[t]gɪər[/t]]

n.

1) mac

a) a part, as a disk, wheel, or section of a shaft, having cut teeth of such form, size, and spacing that they mesh with teeth in another part to transmit or receive force and motion

b) an assembly of such parts

2) implements, tools, or apparatus, esp. as used for a particular occupation or activity; paraphernalia:

fishing gear[/ex]

3) a harness, esp. of horses

4) naut. the riggings of a ship or a particular sail or spar

5) portable items of personal property, including clothing

6) cvb wearing apparel; clothing

7) armor or arms

8) to provide with or connect by gearing

9) cvb to put in or into gear

10) to provide with gear; supply; equip

11) to prepare, adjust, or adapt to a particular situation, person, etc.:

geared their output to seasonal demands[/ex]

12) to fit exactly, as one part of gearing into another

13) phv gear up

to make or get ready for a future event or situation

14) cvb Slang. great; wonderful

•

- in or into high gear

Etymology: 1150–1200; ME gere < ON gervi, gørvi; akin to OE gearwe equipment gear′less, adj.