What is "polish plait"

Plait \Plait\, n. [OE. playte, OF. pleit, L. plicatum, plicitum, p. p. of plicare to fold, akin to plectere to plait. See Ply, and cf. Plat to weave, Pleat, Plight fold.]

1. A flat fold; a doubling, as of cloth; a pleat; as, a box plait.

   The plaits and foldings of the drapery.
   --Addison.

2. A braid, as of hair or straw; a plat.

   Polish plait. (Med.) Same as Plica.

Plica \Pli"ca\, n. [LL., a fold, fr. L. plicare to fold. See Ply, v.]

1. (Med.) A disease of the hair (Plica polonica), in which it becomes twisted and matted together. The disease is of Polish origin, and is hence called also Polish plait.
   --Dunglison.

2. (Bot.) A diseased state in plants in which there is an excessive development of small entangled twigs, instead of ordinary branches.

3. (Zo["o]l.) The bend of the wing of a bird.

Polish plait (Plica polonica in Latin), plica, or trichoma is a formation of hair. This term can refer to a hairstyle, or supposes a medical condition. It also relates to the system of beliefs in European folklore, and healing practices in traditional medicine in Poland that supported neglected, matted hair as an amulet, or as a catchment for illness leaving the body.