plait

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a hairdo formed by braiding or twisting the hair
  2. noun any of various types of fold formed by doubling fabric back upon itself and then pressing or stitching into shape
  3. verb make by braiding or interlacing

Etymology

From Middle English pleit, from Anglo-Norman pleit (compare Old French ploit), from Latin plectō, which is akin to Old Norse flétta (Danish flette), Russian плести́ (plestí) and also to Old English fleohtan, which it displaced. Doublet of plight (“plait, fold”) and pleat.

In classic literature

Synonyms

braid, tress, twist

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