habit

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   Something you do often and almost without thinking.

   Biting your nails is a bad habit.

2. 2
   noun

   Something you do regularly as part of your normal life.

   It's become a habit of mine to read before bed.

3. 3
   noun

   A strong need to keep doing something harmful, such as taking a drug.

   He is trying hard to kick the smoking habit.

4. 4
   noun

   A long, loose piece of clothing worn by monks and nuns.

   The nun wore a plain black habit.

From Middle English habit, from Latin habitus (“condition, bearing, state, appearance, dress, attire”), from habeō (“to have, hold, keep”). Distantly related to gift. Replaced Middle English abit, from Old French abit, itself from the same Latin source. Displaced native Old English þēaw, wuna, and ġewuna.

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