plait

Everyday

1. A plait is a length of hair divided into three strands that are crossed over each other again and again to make one neat rope-like piece. tree →
2. A plait is any rope, bread or strip of straw or cloth made in the same crossed way. tree →
3. To plait means to cross three or more strands over each other to make this shape. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life plaits are a common school hairstyle, especially for long hair, and stories use them to show a child getting ready or a tease ("he pulled her plaits"). In art and craft lessons children plait wool, paper strips or ribbon. Phrases: «in plaits», «a French plait», «plait your hair», «a plaited loaf». In stories, pulling someone's plait is a classic picture of teasing or bullying.

Examples

• Mum plaited my hair before school. tree →
• Chloe wore her hair in two long plaits. tree →
• A boy in the line kept tugging her plait, so she told the teacher. tree →
• We plaited three strips of coloured paper to make a bookmark. tree →
• Can you do a French plait? tree →
• The baker sold a shiny plaited loaf. tree →
• Her plait came undone during PE. tree →
• Grandma taught me how to plait wool for a bracelet. tree →
• Then Rapunzel let down her plaits, and the Witch climbed up by them. tree →

Note

Countable noun: a plait, two plaits. Past: plaited. Mainly British, Irish, Australian and New Zealand English; in American and Canadian English the usual word is «braid» (noun and verb). Pronounced to rhyme with «flat» in the UK (some say «plate»). Do not confuse with «plate» or «pleat» (a fold sewn into a skirt).

In Jewish tradition

Twisted or woven work, as in the plaited chains of gold on the priest's breastplate.

Interpretation. Tradition sees the plaited chains as holding the breastplate to the ephod, part of the high priest's holy dress.

Examples

• And they made upon the breastplate plaited chains, of wreathen work of pure gold. (Torah EXO.39.15, JPS 1917) tree →
• And thou shalt make upon the breastplate plaited chains of wreathen work of pure gold. (Torah EXO.28.22, JPS 1917) tree →
• and the plaited garments, and the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, to minister in the priest's office; (Torah EXO.31.10, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Countable noun: a plait, two plaits. Past: plaited. Mainly British, Irish, Australian and New Zealand English; in American and Canadian English the usual word is «braid» (noun and verb). Pronounced to rhyme with «flat» in the UK (some say «plate»). Do not confuse with «plate» or «pleat» (a fold sewn into a skirt).