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tai·lor

(tālər)

One that makes, repairs, and alters garments such as suits, coats, and dresses.

v. tai·lored, tai·lor·ing, tai·lors

v.tr.

1. To make (a garment), especially to specific requirements or measurements.

2. To fit or provide (a person) with clothes made to that person's measurements.

3. To make, alter, or adapt for a particular end or purpose: a speech that was tailored to an audience of business leaders.

v.intr.

To pursue the trade of a tailor.

[Middle English, from Anglo-Norman taillour, from Old French tailleor, from taillier, to cut, from Late Latin tāliāre, from Latin tālea, a cutting.]

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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