DEFINITION
LIVERY:
• (n.) The act of delivering possession of lands or tenements.
• (n.) The writ by which possession is obtained.
• (n.) Release from wardship; deliverance.
• (n.) That which is delivered out statedly or formally, as
clothing, food, etc.
• (n.) The uniform clothing issued by feudal superiors to their
retainers and serving as a badge when in military service.
• (n.) The peculiar dress by which the servants of a nobleman or
gentleman are distinguished; as, a claret-colored livery.
• (n.) Hence, also, the peculiar dress or garb appropriated by any
association or body of persons to their own use; as, the livery of the
London tradesmen, of a priest, of a charity school, etc.; also, the
whole body or company of persons wearing such a garb, and entitled to
the privileges of the association; as, the whole livery of London.
• (n.) Hence, any characteristic dress or outward appearance.
• (n.) An allowance of food statedly given out; a ration, as to a
family, to servants, to horses, etc.
• (n.) The feeding, stabling, and care of horses for compensation;
boarding; as, to keep one's horses at livery.
• (n.) The keeping of horses in readiness to be hired temporarily
for riding or driving; the state of being so kept.
• (n.) A low grade of wool.
• (v. t.) To clothe in, or as in, livery.