What does redub mean?
Redub is a chiefly Scottish verb meaning to clothe, decorate, or array someone in red. It is associated with vivid ceremonial or historical descriptions, such as warriors being redubbed in scarlet before battle or nobles being redubbed in bright clothing for a procession. The word is uncommon in present-day standard English and may sound deliberately archaic, regional, or poetic to speakers of other varieties. Although its modern use is limited, it vividly expresses both the colour red and the action of clothing or ornamenting a person. Redub is especially useful in historical fiction, literary writing, and descriptions of ceremonial display, where its strong Scottish character can convey colour, pageantry, and dramatic atmosphere.
verbTo clothe or adorn with red; to array in red.
- To clothe or adorn with red; to array in red.
"The herald redubbed the knights in scarlet and gold before the procession entered the hall."
"The soldiers were redubbed in bright uniforms for the ceremonial parade."
"In the old romance, the queen redubbed the hero before sending him into battle."
A vivid piece of Scottish vocabulary: to redub is to dress or array someone in red.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does redub come from?
The word is a Scottish formation combining red with the older Scots verb dub, meaning to clothe, equip, or adorn. Its development reflects the Scots practice of describing distinctive clothing by naming the colour used. The compound is chiefly preserved in Scottish and historical usage rather than in mainstream modern English.
Related word forms
How redub is actually used
This is chiefly a Scottish word and is uncommon in contemporary standard English. It has a traditional, literary, or historical flavour and is especially associated with dressing or arraying people in red.