pleat

/pliːt/

pleat

English Noun

Definition

A fold in the fabric of a garment, usually a skirt, as a part of the design of the garment, with the purpose of adding controlled fullness and freedom of movement, or taking up excess fabric. There are many types of pleats, differing in their construction and appearance.

Etymology

From Middle English, from a variant of plait, from Old French pleit. Doublet of plait.