1104, from O.N. gift, from P.Gmc. *giftiz (cf. O.Fris. jefte, M.Du. ghifte "gift," Ger. Mitgift "dowry"), from PIE base *ghabh- "to give or receive" (see habit). O.E. cognate gift meant "bride-price, marriage gift (by the groom), dowry" (O.E. for "giving, gift" was related giefu). Sense of "natural talent" is c.1300.

–noun

1.	a container made of twigs, rushes, thin strips of wood, or other flexible material woven together.

2.	a container made of pieces of thin veneer, used for packing berries, vegetables, etc.

3.	the amount contained in a basket; a basketful: to pick a basket of apples.

4.	anything like a basket in shape or use: He never empties my wastepaper basket.

5.	any group of things or different things grouped as a unit; a package; package deal: You can't buy the single stock; you have to take the basket—all companies, stocks and bonds.

6.	the car or gondola suspended beneath a balloon, as for carrying passengers or scientific instruments into the atmosphere.

7.	Basketball. a. an open net suspended from a metal rim attached to the backboard and through which the ball must pass in order for a player to score points. b. a score, counting two for a field goal and one for a free throw.

8.	Also called snow ring. Skiing. a ring strapped to the base of a ski pole to limit penetration of the pole in the snow.

9.	Slang: Vulgar. the male genitals, esp. when outlined by a tight-fitting garment.