lath

(lat̸h, lät̸h)

noun pl. laths

any of the thin, narrow strips of wood used in lattices or nailed to two-by-fours, rafters, etc. as a foundation for plaster, tiles, etc.
any foundation for plaster, as wire screening or expanded metal
laths collectively, esp. when used as a base for plaster

Origin: ME lathe (< OE *læthth, akin to OHG latta) & latte (< OE lætt, akin to ON latto)

transitive verb

to cover with laths

See lath in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. laths laths (lăÞz, lăths)

a. A thin strip of wood or metal, usually nailed in rows to framing supports as a substructure for plaster, shingles, slates, or tiles.
b. A building material, such as a sheet of metal mesh, used for similar purposes.
a. A quantity of laths; lathing.
b. Work made with or from lath.