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withy was our Word of the Day on 04/16/2016. Hear the podcast!
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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.
Origin and Etymology of withy
Middle English, from Old English wīthig; akin to Old High German wīda willow, Latin vitis vine, viēre to plait — more at wire
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First Known Use: before 12th century
in the meaning defined at sense 1
See Words from the same yearOrigin and Etymology of withy
withe
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