n. [ OE. guise, gise, way, manner, F. guise, fr. OHG. wīsa, G. weise. See Wise, n. ] 1. Customary way of speaking or acting; custom; fashion; manner; behavior; mien; mode; practice; -- often used formerly in such phrases as: at his own guise; that is, in his own fashion, to suit himself. Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ] The swain replied, “It never was our guise To slight the poor, or aught humane despise.” Pope. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. External appearance in manner or dress; appropriate indication or expression; garb; shape. [ 1913 Webster ] As then the guise was for each gentle swain. Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ] A . . . specter, in a far more terrific guise than any which ever yet have overpowered the imagination. Burke. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. Cover; cloak; as, under the guise of patriotism. [ 1913 Webster ] |