ar|ray´er

ar|ray «uh RAY», noun, verb.

–n.

1. proper order; regular arrangement: »

The troops were formed in battle array.

SYNONYM(S): formation.

2. a display of persons or things; an imposing group: »

an array of wedding gifts, an array of problems. The array of good players on the other team ma our side look weak.

3. a military force; soldiers: »

Bade his messengers ride forth…to summon his array (Macaulay).

SYNONYM(S): troops, army.

4. clothes, especially for some special or festive occasion; dress: »

bridal array. She wore gorgeous array.

SYNONYM(S): attire.

5. Mathematics, Statistics. an orderly arrangement of numbers, terms, or symbols, in rows or columns.

6. Aerospace. a group of antennas or similar devices coupled together to increase their effectiveness.

–v.t.

1. to put in order for some purpose; arrange: »

The general arrayed his troops for the battle. Figurative. His hasty plans were arrayed against a background of hysteria.

SYNONYM(S): marshal, line up.

2. to dress in fine clothes; adorn: »

She was arrayed like a queen in her magnificent dress. Figurative. A mountain…arraying itself in the majesty of darkness (William Gilpin).

SYNONYM(S): attire.

╂[< Anglo-French arayer < Old French a- to + rei order < a Germanic word]

–ar|ray´er, noun.

–ar|ray´ment, noun.