I. ˈplāt, ˈplat noun
Etymology: Middle English pleit, from Anglo-French pleit, plei, pli, from Vulgar Latin * plicitum, from neuter of Latin plicitus, past participle of plicare to fold — more at ply
Date: 14th century
1. : pleat
2. : a braid of material (as hair or straw) ; specifically : pigtail
II. transitive verb
Date: 14th century
1. : pleat 1
2.
a. : to interweave the strands or locks of : braid
b. : to make by plaiting
plait a basket
• plait·er noun