withy

English

Etymology 1

Inherited from Old English wīþiġ.

Noun

withy (plural withies)

1. An osier (Salix viminalis), a type of willow.
2. A long flexible twig of the osier; a withe.
   • 1922, E[ric] R[ücker] Eddison, The Worm Ouroboros: A Romance, London: Jonathan Cape […], →OCLC, page 17:

     In the midst of the meadow was a space marked out with withies sixty paces either way for the wrastling ground.

Synonyms

• (osier): willow

Translations

osier — see osier

long, flexible twig of the osier — see osier

Etymology 2

From withe + -y.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈwɪð.i/, /ˈwɪθ.i/
• Rhymes: -ɪði

Adjective

withy (comparative withier, superlative withiest)

1. (archaic) Flexible, like a withe.
   • 1693, “Of the Embrasures or Merlons”, in Abel Swall, transl., The New Method of Fortification, as Practised by Monsieur de Vauban, Engineer General of France. […], 2nd edition, London: […] Abell Swall;  […], →OCLC, book IV, page 75:

     The Merlons, to the end that they may be good, ought to be made of Earth, the most eaſie to be tempered that may be: And this Earth ought alſo to be mixed with Withy Twigs, or Brambles, provided they take Root, after which they are to be lined with good Turff.

   • 2018, Madeline Miller, Circe, Little, Brown and Company, page 285:

     I would work at my spells from dawn until dusk, dig up roots and forget to eat, harvest the withy stems and weave baskets till they piled to the ceiling.

Synonyms

• flexible

Anagrams

• whity