lath

(lat̸h, lät̸h)

noun pl. laths

  1. 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.
  2. any foundation for plaster, as wire screening or expanded metal
  3. 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)
  1. 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.
  2. a. A quantity of laths; lathing.
    b. Work made with or from lath.
transitive verb lathed lathed, lath·ing, laths laths
To build, cover, or line with laths.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English latthe

Origin: , probably alteration (influenced by Welsh llath, rod)

Origin: of Old English lǽtt

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