wreaths

Wreath \Wreath\ (?; 277), n.; pl. {Wreaths}. [OE. wrethe, AS.
   wr[=ae][eth] a twisted band, fr. wr[imac][eth]an to twist.
   See {Writhe}.]
   [1913 Webster]
   1. Something twisted, intertwined, or curled; as, a wreath of
      smoke; a wreath of flowers. "A wrethe of gold." --Chaucer.
      [1913 Webster]

            [He] of his tortuous train
            Curled many a wanton wreath.          --Milton.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. A garland; a chaplet, esp. one given to a victor.
      [1913 Webster]

            Conquest doth grant
            He dear wreath to the Grecian combatant. --Chapman.
      [1913 Webster]

            Far back in the ages,
            The plow with wreaths was crowned.    --Bryant.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. (Her.) An appendage to the shield, placed above it, and
      supporting the crest (see Illust. of {Crest}). It
      generally represents a twist of two cords of silk, one
      tinctured like the principal metal, the other like the
      principal color in the arms.
      [1913 Webster]