—n.
1 (often in pl.) a a set of toothed wheels that work together to transmit and control motion from an engine, esp. to the road wheels of a vehicle. b a mechanism for doing this.
2 a particular function or state of adjustment of engaged gears (low gear; second gear).
3 a mechanism of wheels, levers, etc., usu. for a special purpose (winding-gear).
4 a particular apparatus or mechanism, as specified (landing-gear).
5 equipment or tackle for a special purpose.
6 colloq. clothing, esp. when modern or fashionable.
7 goods; household utensils.
8 rigging.
9 a harness for a draught animal.
—v.
1 tr. (foll. by to) adjust or adapt to suit a special purpose or need.
2 tr. (often foll. by up) equip with gears.
3 tr. (foll. by up) make ready or prepared.
4 tr. put (machinery) in gear.
5 intr. a be in gear. b (foll. by with) work smoothly with.
Phrases and idioms:
be geared (or all geared) up (often foll. by for, or to + infin.) colloq. be ready or enthusiastic. first (or bottom) gear the lowest gear in a series. gear down (or up) provide with a low (or high) gear. gear lever (or shift) a lever used to engage or change gear, esp. in a motor vehicle. high (or low) gear a gear such that the driven end of a transmission revolves faster (or slower) than the driving end. in gear with a gear engaged. out of gear
1 with no gear engaged.
2 out of order. top gear the highest gear in a series.
Etymology: ME f. ON gervi f. Gmc
Useful english dictionary. 2012.