wimple
wimple
UK[ˈwɪmpl̩]US[ˈwɪmpl̩]
n
A cloth headdress covering the head, neck, and the sides of the face, formerly worn by women and still worn by some nuns.
v
To cover with or as if with a wimple; to cause to ripple or undulate.
Etymology
The word 'wimple' has a direct and ancient lineage in the Germanic language family. It entered English as wimpel from Old English, which itself came from Proto-Germanic wimpilaz. This root is thought to be connected to the concept of something that is wound or wrapped around, a sense that survives in the modern verb meaning 'to ripple' or 'to meander.' The core logic of the word has remained remarkably stable for over a millennium, evolving from a general term for a covering or veil into its specific modern meaning denoting a traditional garment for the head and neck, particularly associated with medieval women and religious orders.
Analysis
This word is a simplex loanword from Old English, derived from a Germanic root. It does not contain separable, productive morphemes in modern English.
Examples
The nun adjusted her crisp white wimple before entering the chapel.
In many medieval portraits, women are depicted wearing a wimple and veil.
The stream wimpled its way through the quiet meadow.