trellis

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a framework or lattice of wood, metal, or another material used to support climbing plants

   A rose climbed the wooden trellis beside the garden gate.

2. 2
   noun

   latticework used as an architectural screen, partition, or decorative pattern

   The book cover was stamped with a gilt trellis design.

3. 3
   verb

   to support, train, enclose, or decorate with a trellis

   The gardener trellised the young vines along the sunny wall.

Simplified etymology

Trellis came from Old French trelis, ultimately from Latin trilix, “three-ply,” formed from tri-, “three,” and licium, “warp thread.” In French the word referred first to a strong fabric and then to something woven from wire. English initially used it for any latticed screen, with gardening uses recorded from the early 16th century.

From Middle English trelis through Anglo-Norman and Old French forms meaning lattice or woven work, probably related to Latin trilix, 'three-threaded.' The structural term developed from interlaced fabric or lattice patterns.

Topics

External links

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• Cambridge Dictionary
• Wiktionary