Braid

Part of speech: verb, noun

Pronunciation: /bɹeɪd/

Definitions

1. To interlace three or more strands of hair, rope, or thread by weaving them together in a regular pattern
2. To intertwine several strands of hair, rope, or fabric in a manner that forms a decorative pattern through consistent weaving techniques
3. To twist together multiple strands of material such as hair or rope into a cohesive structure that creates a visually appealing design

Etymology: The verb "braid" has a surprisingly physical ancestor: Old English "breġdan" meant to move quickly, to jerk, swing, or pull, and it could also mean to draw a sword or throw a wrestling opponent. Weaving came later, when that sense of quick, twisting motion narrowed to the work of binding strands together. Its relatives show the same restless energy. Icelandic "bregða" still means to move quickly or jerk, and Dutch "breien" and German "breiden" have become words for knitting. The noun has an unrelated origin. It comes from Middle English "brede," from Old English "bred," meaning a board, plank, or tablet. Scots "brad" and Dutch "bred" preserve that older sense of a flat piece of wood. The two words only landed on the same spelling through the centuries, so the braid of hair and the plank on a table share no ancestor at all.

Synonyms: plait, twist, interweave

Antonyms: untangle, unravel