withe

Pluralwithes

Formswithes, withing, withed

1. 1
   nouncountable

   A thin, bendy twig that can be used to tie things together.

   Like a bendy twig you can use as string.

   He pulled a withe from the willow to tie the sticks together.

   The basket maker soaked the withes until they bent easily.

   Similarwithy, osier, switch

   Note
2. 2
   nouncountable

   A rope-like band made by twisting thin twigs together.

   Like a rope, but made from twisted twigs instead of string.

   The woodsman bound the logs with a withe of twisted branches.

   Old fences here were held together by withes rather than nails.

   Similarwithy, band, tie

   Note
3. 3
   verbtransitive

   To tie something tightly using thin, bendy twigs.

   Like tying a package with string, but using twigs.

   They withe the bundles of reeds before stacking them.

   She withed the broken fence post to a stake.

   Similarbind, tie, lash

   Note
4. 4
   noun

   Alternative spelling of wythe. It means one layer of a brick wall, one brick thick.

   This old garden wall is only one withe thick.

   Each withe must dry before the next layer goes on.

   Note
5. 5
   verbtransitive

   To hit someone with thin, bendy sticks as punishment.

   Like getting a smack with a thin stick.

   The master would withe the boys for stealing apples.

   They withed the prisoner before locking him away.

   Similarflog, whip, thrash, switch

   Note
6. 6
   noun

   Alternative spelling of wythe. It means the brick wall between two flues inside a chimney.

   The chimney sweep found a crack in the withe between the flues.

   Smoke leaked through a gap where the withe had crumbled.

   Note
7. 7
   nouncountable

   A springy part of a tool's handle that softens the shock when you strike something.

   Like the soft grip on a bike handle that takes the bumps.

   The axe's withe softened the jolt every time he struck the log.

   Without a proper withe, the hammer's shock numbed her hand.

8. 8
   nouncountable

   A metal ring fitting on the end of a mast or pole that holds another pole in place.

   Like a metal loop that holds one pole onto another.

   He fed the spar through the withe at the masthead.

   The withe kept the extra boom from slipping loose in the wind.

   Note

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