ETYM Old Eng. tresse, Old Fren. trece, French tresse, Late Lat. tricia, from Greek tricha threefold, because a tress is usually formed by interlacing three pieces; akin to treis three. Related to Three.
1. A braid, knot, or curl, of hair; a ringlet.
2. (Figurative) A knot or festoon, as of flowers.