withy

[ with-ee, with-ee ]

noun

, plural with·ies.

1. a willow.
2. a pliable branch or twig, especially a withe.
3. a band, loop, halter, or rope of slender twigs; widdy.

adjective

, with·i·er, with·i·est.

1. made of pliable branches or twigs, especially of withes.
2. flexible; pliable.

withy

/ ˈwɪðɪ /

noun

1. a variant spelling of withe withe
2. a willow tree, esp an osier

adjective

1. (of people) tough and agile
2. rare.
   resembling a withe in strength or flexibility

Word History and Origins

Origin of withy¹

before 1000; Middle English; Old English wīthig; akin to withe, Old Norse vīthir, Old High German wīda, Greek ītéa willow, Latin vītis vine

Word History and Origins

Origin of withy¹

Old English wīdig ( e ); related to Old Norse vīthir, Old High German wīda, Latin vītis vine, Sanskrit vītika fetter. See withe , wire

Example Sentences

A war-arrow was furnished with a cord or twist of withy at one end, and was intended to summon all men armed to a Thing.

From Project Gutenberg

The victims, bound tightly with withy-bands, were set before him.

From Project Gutenberg

I tied a withy round the pat and led it home; but it was all lost by the way.'

From Project Gutenberg

The orchard grew thinner and became a mere meadow running down to the river, which was overgrown with reeds and withy-beds.

From Project Gutenberg

There were withy-pots, or nests, for the wild fowl to lay their eggs in, a little above the surface of the water.

From Project Gutenberg