Main Entry: ¹lath·er

Pronunciation: \ˈla-thər\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English *lather, from Old English lēathor; akin to Latin lavere to wash — more at lye

Date: before 12th century

1 a : a foam or froth formed when a detergent (as soap) is agitated in water b : foam or froth from profuse sweating (as on a horse)
2 : an agitated or overwrought state : dither <worked himself into a lather>

— lath·ery \-th(ə-)rē\ adjective