withy

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a tough, flexible willow twig or branch, especially one used for binding or weaving

   The basket maker bent each withy around the wooden frame.

2. 2
   noun

   a willow tree, especially an osier grown for its pliable shoots

   The farmer planted a row of withies beside the stream for basketry material.

3. 3
   adj

   tough and flexible like a willow twig; pliant

   The withy branch bowed under the weight of snow without snapping.

From Middle English withy and Old English wīþig ("willow"). It is related to withe, a flexible twig or a band made from twigs, and more distantly to Latin vitis ("vine"). The adjective extends the twig's toughness and flexibility to other things.

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