heddle
[ hed-l ]
/ ˈhɛd l /
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noun
one of the sets of vertical cords or wires in a loom, forming the principal part of the harness that guides the warp threads.
QUIZZES
QUIZ YOURSELF ON PARENTHESES AND BRACKETS APLENTY!
Set some time apart to test your bracket symbol knowledge, and see if you can keep your parentheses, squares, curlies, and angles all straight!
Question 1 of 7
Let’s start with some etymology: What are the origins of the typographical word “bracket”?
First appeared around 1750, and is related to the French word “braguette” for the name of codpiece armor.
First appeared in 1610, based on the French word “baguette” for the long loaf of bread.
First appeared in 1555, and is related to the French word “raquette” for a netted bat.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT 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
Words nearby heddle
Hector, hectostere, Hecuba, he'd, Hedda Gabler, heddle, hedenbergite, heder, hedera, hedge, hedge apple
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
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British Dictionary definitions for heddle
heddle
/ (ˈhɛdəl) /
noun
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
Word Origin for heddle
Old English hefeld chain; related to Old Norse hafald, Middle Low German hevelte
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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