heddle

American  

[hed-l] / ˈhɛd l /

noun

1. one of the sets of vertical cords or wires in a loom, forming the principal part of the harness that guides the warp threads.

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heddle British  

/ ˈhɛdəl /

noun

1. one of a set of frames of vertical wires on a loom, each wire having an eye through which a warp thread can be passed

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Etymology

Origin of heddle

1505–15; perhaps representing Old English *hefedl, a metathetic variant of hefeld ( Middle English helde, ModE heald ), cognate with Old Saxon hevild; akin to Old Norse hafald

Example Sentences

Holding a heddle rod to separate the warp threads, she draws the continuous horizontal weft thread in and out of one or more warp threads.

From Scientific American • Sep. 15, 2022

The heddle is a row of twines, cords, or wires called leashes, which are stretched vertically between two horizontal bars or rods, placed about a foot apart.

From Home Life in Colonial Days by Earle, Alice Morse

Mr. Davies’ drawing as well as those of Cailliaud and Rosellini show that D1 is a heddle while D2 is shown to be a laze rod.

From Ancient Egyptian and Greek Looms by Roth, H. Ling (Henry Ling)

The weaver appears to be provided with one heddle and a beater-in.

From Ancient Egyptian and Greek Looms by Roth, H. Ling (Henry Ling)

James and Patrick Clark, in desperation, attempted to substitute cotton for silk in their manufacture of these heddle strings.

From The Invention of the Sewing Machine by Cooper, Grace Rogers