[lath.er] n [(assumed) ME, fr. OE leathor; akin to L lavere to wash--more at lye] (bef. 12c) 1 a: a foam or froth formed when a detergent (as soap) is agitated in water b: foam or froth from profuse sweating (as on a horse)
2: an agitated or overwrought state: dither -- lath.ery adj
[2]lather vb lath.ered ; lath.er.ing vt (bef. 12c) 1: to spread lather over
2: to beat severely: flog ~ vi: to form a lather or a froth like lather -- lath.er.er n