groom
UK: ɡruːm | US: ɡruːm
n. a person employed to take care of horses
n. a man about to be married or recently married
vt. to clean and care for an animal’s coat
vt. to prepare or train someone for a specific role
The word "groom" originally referred to a servant who tended to horses (from Old English groma, a derivative of grom, meaning "boy" or "servant"). Over time, it evolved to denote a stable attendant, and later, by metaphorical extension, a man preparing for marriage (early 19th century). The verb form emerged from the idea of meticulous care, whether for animals or personal appearance.
The groom brushed the horse’s mane before the race.
She helped her dog groom itself after playing in the mud.
The young politician was groomed for leadership by his mentor.
The bride and groom exchanged vows at sunset.
He works as a groom at the royal stables.