— wreathlike , adj.
/reeth/ , n. , pl. wreaths /reedhz, reeths/ , v.
n.
1. a circular band of flowers, foliage, or any ornamental work, for adorning the head or for any decorative purpose; a garland or chaplet.
2. any ringlike, curving, or curling mass or formation: a wreath of clouds.
3. (in stair building)
a. a curved section of a handrail.
b. Also called wreathpiece . a curved section of a string.
v.t. , v.i.
4. to wreathe.
[ bef. 1000; ME wrethe, OE writha something wound or coiled; akin to WRITHE ]