withy

1 of 2

noun

ˈwi-t͟hē 

plural withies

1

: willow

especially : osier sense 1

2

: a flexible slender twig or branch (as of osier) : withe

withy

2 of 2

adjective

ˈwi-thē  ˈwi-t͟hē  ˈwī-t͟hē 

: flexibly tough

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The Origin of Withy

Withy is a word with several synonyms. In its broadest use, it is simply another word for "willow," but it can also be used for a particular category of willows which are also known by the name osier. Additionally, the word withe can be substituted for the "flexible slender twig or branch" sense of withy. Osier entered English from medieval French, whereas willow, withy, and withe all have their origins in Old English. Willow comes from welig; withy comes from wīthig; and withe comes from withthe, a word indirectly related to wīthig.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English wīthig; akin to Old High German wīda willow, Latin vitis vine, viēre to plait — more at wire

Adjective

withe

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1598, in the meaning defined above

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