What does raiment mean?
Raiment denotes clothing or garments, especially when they are considered collectively or described as fine, rich, or elaborate. Its literary and ceremonial tone gives it a sense of splendour and formality that is largely absent from the more neutral word clothing. The word can refer broadly to what people wear, but it is especially evocative in descriptions of royal, religious, theatrical, or historical dress: a monarch's magnificent raiment, a performer's colourful raiment, or the plain raiment of a pilgrim. Raiment is uncommon in everyday conversation, though it remains useful in historical writing, descriptive prose, and formal contexts. In those settings, it conveys both the tangible garments and the cultural or aesthetic impression associated with them, making it more expressive than a simple collective term such as clothes.
nounClothing or garments, especially when regarded collectively or with an emphasis on fine or elaborate dress.
- Clothing or garments, especially fine or elaborate clothing considered collectively.
"The queen appeared in magnificent raiment befitting the occasion."
"The performers wore colourful raiment inspired by traditional dress."
"Her plain raiment contrasted sharply with the wealth of the surrounding court."
The plural is possible but uncommon; singular raiment is normally used for clothing collectively.
"The chronicler described the knights and their richly coloured raiments."
Raiment is a word fit for a tapestry: it evokes splendid robes, ceremonial dress, and the world of pageantry.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does raiment come from?
Raiment entered Middle English through Anglo-French, from the Old French word raiment, meaning clothing or dress. It developed from a family associated with the act of dressing or arraying, and the modern word preserves the older sense of attire considered as a whole. The form is now literary rather than everyday.
How raiment is actually used
Raiment is literary, archaic, or ceremonial in tone. It is less common in ordinary modern speech than clothing, garments, attire, or dress.
Easily confused with raiment
Raiment means clothing collectively, whereas rament is a misspelling and is not a standard English word.