pleat

[pleet] /plit/

noun

a fold of definite, even width made by doubling cloth or the like upon itself and pressing or stitching it in place.

verb (used with object)

to fold or arrange in pleats.

Also, plait.

Origin

1325-75; Middle English; variant of plait

Related forms

pleater, noun

pleatless, adjective

unpleated, adjective

Examples from the web for pleat

She will wash in the river, wash and rewash and pleat herself back together.
As the saguaro grows, the ribs will occasionally fork and the corresponding pleat will also fork at the same place.
Equipment such as the automatic pleat-figuring machine and automatic pleat-folding machine are used in larger establishments.
Precautions against bridging were taken in all cartridge filters by using open pleat designs.
Media shall maintain uniform pleat shape and stability for proper air flow and maximum dust loading.
As the stored moisture is used during dry times, the pleat indents deepen and the saguaro becomes thinner.
Inmates may not pleat the waist area of their issued pants in any fashion.
Full single-needle tailoring with a double-yoke back with center box-pleat for comfort.
They shall be cut square at the bottom and have a one and one-half inch box pleat in the center.
The back is trimmed with a box pleat on each side and is fastened by three tiny buttons.

British Dictionary definitions for pleat

/pliːt/

noun

any of various types of fold formed by doubling back fabric and pressing, stitching, or steaming into place See also box pleat, inverted pleat, kick pleat, knife pleat, sunburst pleats

verb

(transitive) to arrange (material, part of a garment, etc) in pleats

Word Origin

C16: variant of plait

Word Origin and History for pleat

1560s, used as the verb version of plait (n.) and probably representing an alternative pronunciation. Related: Pleated; pleating.

"a fold," 1580s, variant of plait (n.). With a gap in the printed record 17c.-18c., but probably it was in continuous oral use.