overwear

[oh-ver-wair]

verb (used with object)

overwore, overworn, overwearing. 

1. to use or wear excessively; wear out; exhaust; tax.

   needlessly overwearing her best workers; phrases overworn by repetition.

Word History and Origins

Origin of overwear¹

First recorded in 1570–80; over- + wear

Example Sentences

He lumbered between courtrooms with his cane and black leather bag, in a black suit he insisted on always wearing until he was acquitted, the jacket shiny in places from overwear.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“This patient was lucky, however contact lens overwear can cause sight threatening complications,” Dr. Morjaria said.

Read more on New York Times

Armed with long underwear, waterproof overwear and muck boots, we were ready.

Read more on Washington Post

The ‘Thirst Quencher’ seems to be almost as ubiquitous as Zuck’s famed overwear.

Read more on Forbes

Overwear, ō-vėr-wār′, v.t. to wear out: to outwear, outlive.—n.

Read more on Project Gutenberg