raffia

[raf-ee-uh]

noun

a fiber obtained from the leaves of the raffia palm, used for tying plants and other objects and for making mats, baskets, hats, and the like.

Also raphia.

Origin of raffia

1880–85; earlier rofia raffia palm, said to be < Malagasy

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for raffia

Historical Examples of raffia

The graft is tied with raffia, after which it is all but covered with a mound of soil.
Manual of American Grape-Growing
U. P. Hedrick
Take a piece of raffia or cord and tie a loop with two ends.
Construction Work for Rural and Elementary Schools
Virginia McGaw
Take three thick strands of raffia and twist them into a rope.
Construction Work for Rural and Elementary Schools
Virginia McGaw
When the seat is woven whip the edge all around with raffia for a finish.
Construction Work for Rural and Elementary Schools
Virginia McGaw
Problem—To teach how reed and raffia may be combined in construction.
Construction Work for Rural and Elementary Schools
Virginia McGaw

British Dictionary definitions for raffia

raffia

raphia

noun

Also called: raffia palm a palm tree, Raphia ruffia, native to Madagascar, that has large plumelike leaves, the stalks of which yield a useful fibre
the fibre obtained from this plant, used for tying, weaving, etc
any of several related palms or the fibre obtained from them

Word Origin for raffia

C19: from Malagasy

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for raffia

fiber-yielding tree of Madagascar, 1729, rofia, from Malagasy rafia. Modern form is attested from 1882; also raphia (1866).