plait
UK: pleɪt | US: pleɪt
n. a single length of hair, straw, etc., interlaced with others to form a braid.
vt. to weave or twist (strands of hair, straw, etc.) into a plait.
The word "plait" originates from the Old French term pleit, meaning "a fold" or "to fold," derived from the Latin plicare ("to fold"). Over time, its meaning evolved to specifically denote the interlacing or weaving of strands (e.g., hair or straw) into a braid. The spelling "plait" preserves the French influence, while the concept of folding logically extended to the action of braiding.
She wore her hair in a neat plait down her back.
The artisan demonstrated how to plait reeds into a sturdy basket.
Her mother taught her to plait three strands of yarn together.
The plait of the rope made it stronger and more flexible.
He admired the intricate plait of the ceremonial belt.