ɡɪə n. & v. --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. øbe 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. [ME f. ON gervi f. Gmc]