torsade

American  

[tawr-sahd, -seyd] / tɔrˈsɑd, -ˈseɪd /

noun

1. a twisted cord.

2. any ornamental twist, as of velvet.

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torsade British  

/ tɔːˈseɪd /

noun

1. an ornamental twist or twisted cord, as on hats

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Etymology

Origin of torsade

1880–85; < French: twisted fringe, equivalent to tors twisted ( torse ) + -ade -ade ¹

Example Sentences

Many are linked to an increase in heart rhythm, known as torsade de pointes, that can lead to death.

From New York Times

Hair ornamented with broad velvet ribbons rolled in the torsade and with ends floating at each side.

From Project Gutenberg

Torsade′, an ornament like a twisted cord; Tor′sel, a twisted scroll: a plate in a brick wall to support the end of a beam.

From Project Gutenberg

The back hair is done up in a torsade with black velvet ribbons, the two ends of which float behind.

From Project Gutenberg

The ribbon is always plaided, and the most fashionable has a great variety of colors; the knots are large, and formed of several coques, divided in the middle by a torsade of ribbons; some are decorated with ribbons only, but small flowers and foliage may be employed to trim the interior of the brim.

From Project Gutenberg