paraphernalia

/ˈpɛrəfə(r)ˌneɪliə/

/pɛrəfəˈnɛljə/

Having lunch in the park might require you to first gather together a lot of picnic paraphernalia, such as blankets, coolers, Frisbees, and other miscellaneous items that are relevant to that activity.

This term dates back to the 17th century when it referred specifically to a woman’s personal belongings, not including her dowry. Now, it can refer to any gear or equipment necessary for a sport or any undertaking. For example, a hockey player’s paraphernalia would include various pieces of protective padding, while a pastry chef has a different set of articles she needs for her task, such as baking tins and mixers.

Definitions of paraphernalia

1. noun

   equipment consisting of miscellaneous articles needed for a particular operation or sport etc.
   synonyms: appurtenance, gear

   types:

   fishing gear, fishing rig, fishing tackle, rig, tackle

   gear used in fishing

   kit, outfit

   gear consisting of a set of articles or tools for a specified purpose

   regalia

   paraphernalia indicative of royalty (or other high office)

   rig

   gear (including necessary machinery) for a particular enterprise

   rigging, tackle

   gear consisting of ropes etc. supporting a ship's masts and sails

   saddlery, stable gear, tack

   gear for a horse

   bit

   piece of metal held in horse's mouth by reins and used to control the horse while riding

   caparison, housing, trapping

   stable gear consisting of a decorated covering for a horse, especially (formerly) for a warhorse

   carpenter's kit, tool kit

   a set of carpenter's tools

   cinch, girth

   stable gear consisting of a band around a horse's belly that holds the saddle in place

   crown jewels

   regalia (jewelry and other paraphernalia) worn by a sovereign on state occasions

   drill rig, drilling rig, oil rig, oilrig

   rig used in drilling for oil or gas

   first-aid kit

   kit consisting of a set of bandages and medicines for giving first aid

   hame

   stable gear consisting of either of two curved supports that are attached to the collar of a draft horse and that hold the traces

   harness

   stable gear consisting of an arrangement of leather straps fitted to a draft animal so that it can be attached to and pull a cart

   headgear

   stable gear consisting of any part of a harness that fits about the horse's head

   layette

   kit consisting of a complete outfit (clothing and accessories) for a new baby

   martingale

   a harness strap that connects the nose piece to the girth; prevents the horse from throwing back its head

   mess kit

   kit containing a metal dish and eating utensils; used by soldiers and campers

   horse blanket, saddle blanket, saddlecloth

   stable gear consisting of a blanket placed under the saddle

   sewing kit

   a kit of articles used in sewing

   yoke

   stable gear that joins two draft animals at the neck so they can work together as a team

   type of:

   equipment

   an instrumentality needed for an undertaking or to perform a service