stripe / strīp/ • n. 1. a long narrow band or strip, typically of the same width throughout its length, differing in color or texture from the surface on either side of it: a pair of blue shorts with pink stripes. ∎ archaic a blow with a scourge or lash.2. a chevron sewn onto a uniform to denote military rank. ∎  a type or category: entrepreneurs of all stripes are joining in the offensive.• v. [tr.] (usu. be striped) mark with stripes: her body was striped with bands of sunlight.

stripe2 narrow portion of a surface, esp. of different colour or texture XVII; narrow strip of cloth, etc., e.g. chevron of soldier's uniform XIX. perh. back-formation on pp. striped (XV or XVI) marked with narrow bands, poss. of LG. or Du. orig.; cf. MLG., MDu. strīpe = MHG. strīfe (G. streifen).

stripe1 (arch.) stroke with a staff, scourge, etc. XV. of unkn. orig.