weave

Everyday

1. To weave is to make cloth, a basket or a mat by crossing threads, strips or twigs over and under each other. tree →
2. To weave can mean to move in and out between things, changing direction (past: weaved). tree →
3. To weave a story is to make it up, especially by joining many parts. tree →
4. A weave is the pattern or way that something is woven; a weave is also a style of hair extension. tree →

In the lessons

In design and history lessons weaving on a loom makes fabric; threads going one way are the warp, those going across are the weft. In art lessons children weave paper strips. In PE and safety, cyclists should not weave between cars. Spiders weave webs. Phrases: weave a basket, weave through the traffic, weave a tale, a tight weave.

Examples

• We wove a mat from strips of coloured paper. tree →
• Grandma weaves rugs on her big wooden loom. tree →
• The spider wove a beautiful web. tree →
• The footballer weaved between the defenders and scored. tree →
• The cyclist weaved dangerously through the traffic. tree →
• The storyteller wove a tale of dragons and kings. tree →
• This fabric has a tight weave, so it keeps out the wind. tree →
• 'Weave me a net that I may catch some salmon,' said he. tree →

Note

Past forms: wove and woven for making cloth (She wove a basket; it was woven by hand); weaved for moving (He weaved through the crowd). Do not confuse with «wave» (move your hand).

In Jewish tradition

It describes making the priest's tunic and other holy cloth. The prophets also use it as a picture: the wicked "weave the spider's web" or weave their evil plans together.

Interpretation. Tradition holds the priestly garments were made with great skill and had a holy purpose, to give the priests honor and glory. Isaiah's spider web is read as showing that wicked schemes are flimsy and useless.

Examples

• And thou shalt weave the tunic in chequer work of fine linen, and thou shalt make a mitre of fine linen, and thou shalt make a girdle, the work of the weaver in colours. (Torah EXO.28.39, JPS 1917) tree →
• Moreover they that work in combed flax, and they that weave cotton, shall be ashamed. (Prophets ISA.19.9, JPS 1917) tree →
• They hatch basilisks' eggs, and weave the spider's web; he that eateth of their eggs dieth, and that which is crushed breaketh out into a viper. (Prophets ISA.59.5, JPS 1917) tree →
• Their hands are upon that which is evil to do it diligently; the prince asketh, and the judge is ready for a reward; and the great man, he uttereth the evil desire of his soul; thus they weave it together. (Prophets MIC.7.3, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Past forms: wove and woven for making cloth (She wove a basket; it was woven by hand); weaved for moving (He weaved through the crowd). Do not confuse with «wave» (move your hand).