braid etymology

Etymology

  • Middle English: brade, from Old English: bregdan ("to twist, weave")
  • Germanic root: *bregðaną ("to twist, swing")

Meaning

A braid is a hairstyle in which three or more strands of hair are interwoven together to form a single, thicker strand.

Origin

The concept of braiding hair is believed to have originated in prehistoric times, with evidence of braiding found in ancient Egyptian tombs and cave paintings from various cultures around the world.

Cultural Significance

Braiding has been a significant cultural practice in many societies throughout history:

  • Ancient Egypt: Braids were worn by both men and women as a symbol of status and beauty.
  • Ancient Greece: Braids were popular among athletes and soldiers as a way to keep their hair out of their faces during combat.
  • Central and South America: Braids have been an important part of traditional hairstyles for indigenous cultures.
  • Africa: Complex braiding techniques have been developed and passed down through generations, with different braids carrying cultural and social significance.
  • Western Cultures: Braids became popular in the 19th and 20th centuries as a fashionable hairstyle for women, and remain a popular choice today.

braid relate terms

  • braided

    Etymology The term braided is derived from the Old English word bredan meaning to t

  • braid

    Etymology Middle English brade from Old English bregdan to twist weave Germanic

  • braids

    Etymology Middle English breyd braide from Old English bredan meaning to plait w

  • braid

    Etymology Middle English brade from Old English bregdan to twist weave Germanic

  • bream

    Etymology The word bream is derived from the Old English word breme which is thought

  • bridle

    Etymology Middle English bridel from Old English brīdel Proto Germanic bridilōn

  • embroider

    Etymology Old French embrouder Medieval Latin brodiare Latin brodere Proto Indo Euro

  • hypnotic

    Etymology Hypno from Greek hypnos meaning sleep tic suffix indicating a relati

  • complex

    Etymology The word complex derives from the Latin word complexus a past participle o

  • perplex

    Etymology From Middle English perplexen perplexen from Old French perplexer from Lat

  • flask

    Etymology The word flask is derived from the Middle French word flasque meaning fl

  • aglet

    Etymology Aglet is derived from Medieval Latin aguleta meaning lace tag It is b

  • weave

    Etymology Middle English weven from Old English wefan of Germanic origin related to

  • plait

    Etymology and Origin The word plait originates from the Old French word pleite whic