The Collaborative International Dictionary
Wreathe \Wreathe\, v. t. [imp. Wreathed; p. p. Wreathed; Archaic Wreathen; p. pr. & vb. n. Wreathing.] [See Wreath, n.] [Written also wreath.]
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To cause to revolve or writhe; to twist about; to turn.
And from so heavy sight his head did wreathe.
--Spenser. -
To twist; to convolve; to wind one about another; to entwine.
The nods and smiles of recognition into which this singular physiognomy was wreathed.
--Sir W. Scott.From his slack hand the garland wreathed for Eve Down dropped.
--Milton. -
To surround with anything twisted or convolved; to encircle; to infold.
Each wreathed in the other's arms.
--Shak.Dusk faces with withe silken turbants wreathed.
--Milton.And with thy winding ivy wreathes her lance.
--Dryden. -
To twine or twist about; to surround; to encircle.
In the flowers that wreathe the sparkling bowl, Fell adders hiss.
--Prior.
Wiktionary
n. The motion or pattern of something that wreaths. vb. (present participle of wreath English)
Usage examples of "wreathing".
And this embroidery, hanging on this wall, Hung there forever,--these so soundless glidings Of dragons golden-scaled, sheer birds of azure, Coilings of leaves in pale vermilion, griffins Drawing their rainbow wings through involutions Of mauve chrysanthemums and lotus flowers,-- This goblin wood where someone cries enchantment,-- This says, just such an involuted beauty Of thought and coiling thought, dream linked with dream, Image to image gliding, wreathing fires, Soundlessly cries enchantment in your mind: You need but sit and close your eyes a moment To see these deep designs unfold themselves.
He was giddy with the odors wreathing up from the silver dishes generously arrayed upon a long table.