/welt/ , n.
1. a ridge or wale on the surface of the body, as from a blow of a stick or whip.
2. a blow producing such a ridge or wale.
3. Shoemaking.
a. a strip, as of leather, set in between the outsole of a shoe and the edges of its insole and upper, through which these parts are joined by stitching or stapling.
b. a strip, usually of leather, that ornaments a shoe.
4. a strengthening or ornamental finish along a seam, the edge of a garment, etc.
5. a seam in which one edge is cut close to the stitching line and covered by the other edge, which is stitched over it.
v.t.
6. to beat soundly, as with a stick or whip.
7. to furnish or supply (a shoe or garment) with a welt or welts; sew a welt on to.
v.i.
8. to be marked with or develop welts.
[ 1375-1425; late ME welte, walt shoemaker's welt, OE waelt (thigh) sinew ]