French braid, n.
Brit. /ˌfrɛn(t)ʃ ˈbreɪd/, U.S. /ˌfrɛn(t)ʃ ˈbreɪd/
[‹ French adj. + braid n. With sense 2 compare earlier French plait n. at French adj. and n. Additions.]
1. A type of ornate woven fabric used for trimming; a length of this fabric; (also, esp. in early use) a hat made or trimmed with this fabric. In later use: fabric or trimming in the pattern of a French braid for the hair (see sense 2).
| 1809 Universal Mag. July 49/1 The wire is to be..platted with loaded bobbins upon a cushion in the same manner as the gold French braid is manufactured. 1849 Bangor (Maine) Daily Whig & Courier 25 May 2/5 (advt.) We have on hand the largest stock of bonnets..consisting of French Braid..and many other kinds. 1867 Edinb. Evening Courant 11 Oct. 4/1 (advt.) Braided with Rich Crochet or French Braids, with Genoa Velvet Collars and Silk Facings. 1909 Times 23 Apr. 11/2 The bride's going away dress was of cinnamon cloth trimmed with French braid. 1924 Lima (Ohio) News 18 Apr. 29/4 (advt.) Easter Millinery... Made of Maline hair, French braids, Timbo, [etc.]. 1990 Los Angeles Times (Nexis) 8 Mar. h38/1 Cushions, trimmed with tassel ties or fringes, cords or French braids beautifully coordinating with table linens. |
2. Chiefly U.S. A type of plait in the hair made by interweaving three relatively thin strands, starting from close to the scalp, then adding more hair into the plait from either side with each subsequent interweaving. Cf. French plait n. at French adj. and n. Additions
| 1937 El Paso (Texas) Herald-Post 30 Oct. 10/7 (advt.) Something new in hair dressing. The French Braid. 1954 ‘E. S. Bowen’ Return to Laughter (1964) 23 A determined young woman,..her hair in a score of tight French braids close against the scalp. 2002 B. Whiter Hair Braiding 14/3 Continue braiding by picking up more hair each time you complete one braid, then secure the French braid with a covered elastic band. |