garland

Definition

A circular or linear decoration, especially one of plaited flowers or leaves, worn on the body or draped as a decoration.

Etymology

From Middle English garland, garlaunde, gerland, from Old French garlande, garlaunde, gerlande, guerlande (compare French guirlande), from Frankish *wierlōn, *wieralōn, a frequentative form of Frankish *wierōn (“to adorn, bedeck”), from *wiera (“a gold thread”), from or related to Proto-Germanic *wīraz. Akin to Old High German wieren (“to adorn”), Old High German wiara (“gold thread”). More at wire.

Example Sentences

• "Bestow a Garland only on a Bier"
• "Both brides and grooms in native Hawaiian tradition wear flower garlands as a physical manifestation of their love for one another, and to some, the twining of the stems is reflective of two families now becoming one. A more tourist-friendly version established in the past couple of decades involves winding the leis around the couple’s hands to bind them together."
• "[She] ioyfully receyued and welcommed mee, as the onely type and garland of her noble ſtirpe and linage, […]"