heddle

noun

hed·​dle ˈhe-dᵊl 

: one of the sets of parallel cords or wires that with their mounting compose the harness used to guide warp threads in a loom

Examples of heddle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Consider a dress that turns traditional looming heddles into whooshing sequins that shimmied and whirred as the model walked down the runway, the sound itself a callback to the hubbub of a factory at its busiest hour. —Steff Yotka, Vogue, 30 May 2019

Stoppelman explained that individual warp threads, which make up the longitudinal pattern in woven cloth, are put on a roller and then threaded individually through wire heddles, which are attached to a shaft and then to a foot treadle. —Annie Gentile, Courant Community, 22 Mar. 2018

Word History

Etymology

probably alteration of Middle English helde, from Old English hefeld; akin to Old Norse hafald heddle, Old English hebban to lift — more at heave entry 1

First Known Use

1513, in the meaning defined above