graith

/ɡɹeɪθ/

Etymology

From Middle English graithen, greithen, graiden, grathen, from Old Norse greiða (“to make ready, prepare, arrange, disentangle”), from Proto-Germanic *garaidijaną (“to prepare, put in order”). Cognate with Old English ġerǣdan (“to arrange, dispose, order, provide for, harness”), Gothic 𐌲𐌰𐍂𐌰𐌹𐌳𐌾𐌰𐌽 (garaidjan, “to enjoin”).

graith means to make ready; prepare; put in order; make fit for use. Lexicurio rates it Sui generis — a strength score of 91 out of 100.

Why this word is great

GRAITH — [Verb] To make ready, prepare, or put in order, especially equipment or attire. From Middle English graithen, from Old Norse greiða ("to make ready, prepare, arrange"), from Proto-Germanic *garaidijaną ("to prepare, put in order"). Unlike "prepare," a broad and unburdened term, or "array," which suggests a ceremonial display, to graith is the functional, tactile act of ordering one's tools and self. It is the tightening of a saddle's girth at first light, the methodical stowing of a carpenter's tools, and the precise lacing of a heavy boot—a humble but profound ordering against the coming disorder, where readiness is a form of respect.

verb

To make ready; prepare; put in order; make fit for use.“Gowden graith'd his horse before, and siller shod behind […]”
To dress (someone or oneself) or be dressed.“At fairs he play'd before the spearmen, All gaily graithed in their gear-men.”

noun

Preparation; arrangement; condition.“[…] tho' foul and tatter'd / In my present garb and graith”
Accoutrements: clothes, materials, equipment, furniture, etc.“Item, to James Homel, to buy graith for the King's vellum doublet, 0[L.] 10[s.] 0[d.]”