I. ˈrēth noun
( plural wreaths -thz, -ths)
Etymology: Middle English wrethe, from Old English writha; akin to Old English wrīthan to twist — more at writhe
1. : something twisted or intertwined into an approximately circular or spiral shape
the tight plaited wreath of hair above her soft shrunken face — Helen Shaw
as
a.
(1) : a coronet, band, or fillet of intertwined flowers or leaves worn or bestowed as a mark of honor or victory or symbol of esteem : garland , chaplet
laurel wreath
(2) : a representation of such a garland made in metal or stone as a decoration
(3) : an arrangement of foliage or flowers with or without decorative accessories on a circular base (as of wire)
Christmas wreath
funeral wreath
b. : an heraldic representation of a band or roll encircling a helmet, supporting a crest, and usually representing a twist of two cords of silk one of which is tinctured like the principal metal and the other like the principal color in the arms ; also : chaplet 1b
c. : the tail of a boar
d. archaic : a winding motion or the product of a winding motion : a partial or complete twist or twisting about a circle
e. : a cluster of spiraling or intertwining tendrils
f. : one of the turns of a spiral or ringed structure : whorl
g. : a rising and coiling stream of smoke or vapor
h. : the part of the string or handrail in a geometrical stair that twists around a curve
2. obsolete : crease , wrinkle
3. : a drift or bank of snow
II. verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
: wreathe