panoply

[pan-uh-plee]

noun

plural

panoplies 

1. a wide-ranging and impressive array or display.

   the dazzling panoply of the maharaja's procession; the panoply of European history.

2. a complete suit of armor.

3. a protective covering.

4. full ceremonial attire or paraphernalia; special dress and equipment.

panoply

/ ˈpænəplɪ /

noun

1. a complete or magnificent array

2. the entire equipment of a warrior

Other Word Forms

• panoplied adjective
• unpanoplied adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of panoply¹

1570–80; < Greek panoplía full complement of arms and armor, equivalent to pan- pan- + ( h ) ópl ( a ) arms, armor ( hoplite ) + -ia -ia

Word History and Origins

Origin of panoply¹

C17: via French from Greek panoplia complete armour, from _pan- + hopla armour, pl of hoplon tool

Example Sentences

Is it a “fruiting body,” better known as the toadstool, that emerges from the ground in a panoply of shapes and textures?

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On May 8, the alliance filed a motion declaring that “having exhausted the full panoply of remedial measures within the Court’s authority, no further options remain but receivership.”

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But audiences have been engaged through a panoply of digital programs and new outreach endeavors, such as the play club program with libraries that Loewenberg said she plans to introduce throughout the country.

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The obvious manipulations, the panoply of loose ends and the cheaply provocative happenings will keep me from a return visit to this season.

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Our palm panoply extends to the ritzy Canary Island date palm, the pygmy date and windmill palms, and a mini-monarchy of queen and king palms, which look a little haphazardly asymmetrical.

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Related Words

• array