welt
- 01 C2 Proficiency
n.a strip of leather or plastic sewn into the seam of a shoe to make it stronger.
n.a strip of material, typically leather, stitched to the upper and insole of a shoe as a point of attachment for the sole.
Simple“High-quality boots often use a leather welt to help them last longer.”
In context“The cobbler explained that a Goodyear welt allows the boots to be resoled multiple times, significantly extending the footwear's lifespan.”
- 02 C2 Proficiency
v.to hit someone hard enough to leave marks on their skin.
v.to strike someone or something with enough force to produce ridges on the surface.
Simple“The harsh wind seemed to welt his face as he walked through the storm.”
In context“In the novel, the antagonist threatens to welt anyone who dares to challenge his authority in the village.”
- 03 C2 Proficiency
v.to add a strip of material to an edge to make it stronger or look better.
v.to furnish with a welt; to reinforce or ornament a seam with a strip of material.
Simple“The tailor decided to welt the pockets of the jacket for a more professional look.”
In context“Upholsterers often welt the seams of cushions to provide both structural integrity and a decorative finish to the furniture.”
From Middle English welten, from Old English weltan, wieltan, from Proto-Germanic waltijaną, from Proto-Indo-European wel- (“to turn; wind; twist”). Cognate with German wälzen, Danish vælte, Swedish välta, Icelandic velta.
Circa 1425, a shoemaker's term. Perhaps related to Middle English welten (“to overturn, roll over”), from Old Norse velta (“to roll”). Meaning "ridge on the skin from a wound" first recorded 1800.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.