withy
/ˈwɪði
/(also withe)
noun (plural withies or withes)
1A tough, flexible branch of an osier or other willow, used for tying, binding, or basketry: it is fixed with withies tied to the common rafters [as modifier]: a withy basket...
- There his mean-spirited Uncle Stan and his kinder but stroke-stricken Aunt Flor live mainly by gathering withies for basket-making, but are now on the edge of destitution.
- This was done with thin strips of wood and bark, fine branches from trees such as hazel or willow withies, and reeds.
- The village of Stoke St Gregory is at the centre of the withy beds.
1.1 another term for osier.The bat was a ‘staff’ made of withy about 3 1/2 feet long....
- HUIA 2002 Marlborough Medium bodied withy earthy smoky flavours which remind me of Lapsang Souchong tea.
Origin
Old English wīthig, of Germanic origin; related to German Weide.