garnish
UK: ˈɡɑːnɪʃ | US: ˈɡɑːrnɪʃ
vt. to decorate or embellish (especially food)
vt. to seize money or property by legal authority (archaic/law)
n. decorative elements added to food or drink
garnish = garn<to warn/equip> + ish<verb suffix>
- garn<to warn/equip>: From Old French garnir ("to fortify, equip"), of Germanic origin (related to "warn"). Originally meant "to prepare or arm."
- ish<verb suffix>: A common English suffix forming verbs (e.g., "punish," "finish").
Etymology Origin:
The word "garnish" evolved from a legal/military term to a culinary one. In Middle English, it meant "to equip or fortify" (from Old French garnir), later narrowing to "seize property" (as a legal "arming" against debt). By the 17th century, it shifted to "decorate," likely influenced by the idea of "equipping" food with adornments.
The chef used parsley to garnish the dish.
Courts once garnished wages to repay debts.
A slice of lemon makes a simple garnish for cocktails.
She garnished her speech with witty anecdotes.
The medieval hall was garnished with tapestries.