Used mainly in compounds or as a suffix to refer to clothing, attire, or the act of dressing. Rarely used as a standalone noun in modern Japanese.
装 forms words related to clothing, as in 服装 (attire) or 衣装 (costume).
The 装 in 装丁 refers to the binding of a book.
装丁 is the full, usable word for 'book binding', whereas 装 alone never conveys this meaning outside of the compound 装丁.
device; equipment; apparatus; installation · stage setting; stage set
equipment; gear; to equip
implementation; installation; mounting; packaging
arms; armament; arming oneself
coating; painting
Standard kanji form for this bound noun/suffix.
The kanji 装 carries meanings related to 'attire' and 'adornment'. The reading そう is the on'yomi. The word is used almost exclusively in compounds.
camouflage; disguise · pretense; feigning; masquerade
female clothing; cross-dressing (by a man)
remodeling; renovation; reorganization
interior design; interior finishing; upholstery
armor; armoring
costume; fancy dress; disguise · converted cruiser
packing; wrapping; packaging
disguise; masquerade
exterior; outer covering; packaging; cladding; armor
loading; charging; filling
coaxial mounting; multiple mounting
paving; surfacing; pavement
redecoration; remodeling; refurbishment
replacement of parts or equipment to change performance
disguising as a man; dressing in male clothing
formal dress; full dress; uniform
Japanese clothing; wearing a kimono · Japanese-style bookbinding
formal dress; formal attire
book binding · book cover design; book design
electrical equipment fitting; wiring
equipment; harness; fittings · orthotic; brace; prosthetic appliance
light clothing; dressing lightly · light equipment; light armaments