1422, "munitions, weapons," from M.Fr.
habillement, from
abiller "prepare or fit out," probably from
habile "fit, suitable" (see
able). Alternate etymology makes the M.Fr. verb originally mean "reduce a tree by stripping off the branches," from
a- "to" +
bille "stick of wood." Sense of "clothing, dress" developed 1470, by association with
habit (q.v.).