suit

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bbeeton
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suit

Postby bbeeton » Fri Apr 08, 2022 12:16 pm

This hasn't showed up yet as a head word, although it's a frequent visitor in discussion.

As a noun, it can designate "clothing" (which can include armor, hence the quotes). It can also, usually as plural, indicate the individuals wearing the more usual form of such clothing, i.e., the guys in charge of an enterprise. Also a short form of "lawsuit". And also a suit of cards.

As a verb, it can indicate appropriateness, or "suitability"; "suit yourself". Or the donning of garments; "suit up".

There are probably even more meanings.

David Myer
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Re: suit

Postby David Myer » Tue Jun 07, 2022 4:04 am

And perhaps related to Pursuit. And of course suitable - I'm afraid I am not a very suitable person; I look dreadful in formal clothes.

If something is suitable, it is fit-for-purpose. So if the suit fits, wear it. Perhaps there is some connection in the various apparently distinct meanings

bbeeton
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Re: suit

Postby bbeeton » Tue Jun 07, 2022 12:00 pm

And with David's suggested relation to pursuit, there's also suitor. (Thank you, David.)

Audiendus
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Re: suit

Postby Audiendus » Tue Jun 07, 2022 10:17 pm

Perhaps there is some connection in the various apparently distinct meanings
The connection seems to be the idea of "follow", in various senses. From Latin secutus, the past participle of sequi, to follow.

http://etymonline.com/word/suit

David Myer
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Re: suit

Postby David Myer » Wed Jun 08, 2022 3:33 am

So following suit in Bridge is almost a tautology?


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