welt

[ welt ]

noun

1. a ridge or wale on the surface of the body, as from a blow of a stick or whip.
2. a blow producing such a ridge or wale.
3. Shoemaking.
   1. a strip, as of leather, set in between the outsole of a shoe and the edges of its insole and upper, through which these parts are joined by stitching or stapling.
   2. a strip, usually of leather, that ornaments a shoe.
4. a strengthening or ornamental finish along a seam, the edge of a garment, etc.
5. a seam in which one edge is cut close to the stitching line and covered by the other edge, which is stitched over it.

verb (used with object)

1. to beat soundly, as with a stick or whip.
2. to furnish or supply (a shoe or garment) with a welt or welts; sew a welt on to.

verb (used without object)

1. to be marked with or develop welts.

welt

/ wɛlt /

noun

1. a raised or strengthened seam or edge, sewn in or on a knitted garment
2. another word for weal 1
3. (in shoemaking) a strip of leather, etc, put in between the outer sole and the inner sole and upper

verb

1. to put a welt in (a garment, etc)
2. to beat or flog soundly

Other Words From

• un·welted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of welt¹

1375–1425; late Middle English welte, walt shoemaker's welt, Old English wælt (thigh) sinew

Word History and Origins

Origin of welt¹

C15: origin unknown

Example Sentences

“According to her Doctor’s Report, she suffers from ‘urticaria,’ defined as ‘a rash of round, red welts on the skin that itch intensely, sometimes with dangerous swelling.’

From Salon

I just had a welt on my head that looked like I saluted too hard.

From Los Angeles Times

He said he enjoyed school in first and second year, until the beatings began, which he said left him "black and blue", and with red welts on his hands and legs.

From BBC

The undercover journalist found horses with welts from whips, mouth sores and spur marks that were hidden with shoe polish.

From BBC

Mudassir Ibrahim, 50, lifted his shirt to show welts across his back — evidence, he said, of a week spent in R.S.F. detention inside the headquarters of Sudan’s national radio and television station.

From New York Times

Related Words

• bruise
• contusion
• scar
• stripe