heddle

[ hed-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.

heddle

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of heddle¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of heddle¹

Old English hefeld chain; related to Old Norse hafald, Middle Low German hevelte

Example Sentences

Each thread or group of threads of the warp passes through an opening (eye) of a heddle.

From Project Gutenberg

The next movement of the heddle frame crossed the threads over the filling and made a new opening for the return of the shuttle.

From Project Gutenberg

K, a strong wooden ruler, connecting the front heddle with its treddle.

From Project Gutenberg

These tape-looms are a truly ancient form of appliance for the hand-weaving of narrow bands,—a heddle-frame.

From Project Gutenberg

The Greek loom may have been furnished with a heddle but the drawings are not clear on this point.

From Project Gutenberg