Garlande

Part of speech: noun, verb

Definitions

1. A decorative wreath or chain made of flowers, leaves, or ribbons, worn on the head or hung as an ornament
2. A festive chain or garland of intertwined flowers and foliage arranged as an ornamental decoration
3. A looped or circular arrangement of flowers, greenery, or similar materials fashioned as an adornment or embellishment

Etymology: "Garlande" is a Middle English spelling of "garland," which came into English from Anglo-Norman and Old French "garlande." The word meant a wreath or chaplet of flowers or leaves, worn on the head or hung as decoration. Its own origin is uncertain: etymologists have suggested several possible sources, but none is firmly established. The meaning stayed close to the original picture. Garlands crowned guests at feasts and celebrations, and the same word came to describe chains of flowers strung across doorways or hung on walls. The image of gathered blossoms also gave rise to the sense of a collection of poems or songs, a bundle of pieces brought together like flowers in a wreath.