n. & v.
n. 1 a leather rim sewn round the edge of a shoe-upper for the sole to be attached to. 2 = WEAL(1). 3 a ribbed or reinforced border of a garment; a trimming. 4 a heavy blow.
v.tr. 1 provide with a welt. 2 rain welts on; thrash.
[ ME welte, walt, of unkn. orig. ]