braid
UK[breɪd]US[breɪd]
v
to twist three or more long pieces of hair, rope, etc. together into one piece
n
a length of hair that has been divided into three sections and twisted together
n
a thin, decorative piece of material used to decorate clothes, furniture, etc.
Etymology
the word "braid" originates from the old english verb "bregdan," meaning to move quickly, pull, shake, weave, or braid. this term is of proto-germanic origin, related to the old norse "bregða" meaning to move quickly or change, and has cognates in other germanic languages. the semantic evolution narrowed from the broad sense of a quick, pulling or plaiting motion to the specific modern meaning of interweaving strands. the connection lies in the action: the swift, pulling movements of the fingers required to weave strands together into a braid.
Analysis
the word "braid" is a simplex form derived from a single old english root.
Examples
she asked her friend to braid her hair before the ceremony.
her long black hair was tied back in a single thick braid.
the uniform was trimmed with gold braid on the sleeves.