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heddle

noun
hed·​dle | \ ˈhe-dᔊl How to pronounce heddle (audio) \

Definition of heddle

: one of the sets of parallel cords or wires that with their mounting compose the harness used to guide warp threads in a loom

Examples of heddle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 Consider a dress that turns traditional looming heddles into whooshing sequins that shimmied and whirred as the model walked down the runway, the sound itself a callback to the hubbub of a factory at its busiest hour. — Steff Yotka, Vogue, "“I Really Feel Quite Lucky”—Sarah Burton Reflects on Her Magical Career at Alexander McQueen," 30 May 2019 Stoppelman explained that individual warp threads, which make up the longitudinal pattern in woven cloth, are put on a roller and then threaded individually through wire heddles, which are attached to a shaft and then to a foot treadle. — Annie Gentile, Courant Community, "Rag Rug Project Upcycles Old Cloth," 22 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'heddle.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of heddle

1513, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for heddle

probably alteration of Middle English helde, from Old English hefeld; akin to Old Norse hafald heddle, Old English hebban to lift — more at heave

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More from Merriam-Webster on heddle

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with heddle

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about heddle

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