What does guising mean?
Guising is chiefly a Scottish and northern British term for dressing up or disguising oneself, often as part of a celebration, performance, or traditional visit. In its best-established use, it names the activity rather than the costume itself: the children are guising, or the evening's guising begins at dusk. Guising can also appear as the present participle of guise, meaning “to disguise oneself,” and in older or specifically Scottish adjectival uses meaning “disguised” or “in disguise.” The word carries festive and playful associations rather than a consistently deceptive one, although disguise and concealment remain its literal meanings. Around Halloween and Hogmanay, guising traditions often involve recognizable local characters, masks, lantern processions, or visits to houses. Outside Scotland, the noun may sound quaint or regional, but it is useful because it focuses attention on the practice and social ritual of adopting another identity, not merely on the clothing worn. The related word guise is broader: it can mean an outward appearance, manner, or a means of disguising oneself.
The practice of dressing up or disguising oneself, especially for entertainment, celebration, or tradition.
"Lantern guising is traditionally associated with the celebration of Hogmanay."
Chiefly Scottish and northern English; often festive and playful in modern usage.
Disguised or dressed in disguise.
"The guising visitors received a small welcome at every door."
To disguise oneself or dress up in costume.
"The performers are guising as characters from local folklore."
Rare; the singular mass noun is much more common and may refer to the activity as a whole.
"Local guisings are still held in several communities."
In Scottish Hogmanay traditions, guising turns the street into a stage as masked visitors call at each door.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does guising come from?
Guising comes through Middle English guise and guisen, “appearance” and “to disguise oneself,” from Old French. The Old French noun guise, meaning “fashion, manner, or form,” was itself borrowed from a Germanic source whose precise origin is uncertain. The modern sense developed from the older practice of assuming a false appearance, while disguise and disguisement belong to the same word family.
How guising is actually used
The noun is most strongly associated with Scottish and northern English traditions and often has festive connotations. Outside these regions, it may sound regional or old-fashioned. The verb and adjectival uses are less common in modern general English.
Easily confused with guising
Guise can mean an outward appearance, manner, or means of disguise, whereas guising specifically names the activity or state of dressing up in disguise.