welt
welt
UK[wɛlt]US[wɛlt]
n
A raised, swollen mark on the skin, typically caused by a blow or by an allergic reaction.
n
A strip of leather or other material stitched into a seam between the sole and upper of a shoe to strengthen the join.
v
To raise a welt on the skin by beating or whipping.
v
To provide (a shoe or garment) with a welt.
Etymology
The word 'welt' has a direct lineage from Middle English welte, which itself evolved from Old English wealt, meaning a 'ridge' or 'border'. This Old English term is related to the verb wealtan, meaning 'to roll' or 'to revolve', a concept that conceptually underlies the formation of a raised, rolled edge or border. The semantic journey connects the ancient idea of something that is rolled over or forms a raised rim to the modern concrete meanings of a raised ridge on skin or a reinforcing strip in shoemaking. Its cognates in other Germanic languages, such as German Wulst (a pad or bulge) and Old Norse valt (a staff), reinforce this core notion of a rounded, protruding form.
Analysis
The word 'welt' is a simplex word of Germanic origin. It functions as a complete lexical unit.
Examples
The harsh rope left an angry red welt across his shoulders.
A good pair of boots has a sturdy leather welt for durability.
The child began to welt after being stung by several bees.