ETYM AS. watel, watul, watol, hurdle, covering, wattle; cf. Old Eng. watel a bag. Related to Wallet.
Certain species of acacia in Australia, where their fluffy golden flowers are the national emblem. The leathery leaves, adapted to drought conditions, further avoid loss of water through transpiration by turning their edges to the direct rays of the sun. Wattles are used for tanning and in fencing.
1. A fleshy wrinkled and often brightly colored fold of skin hanging from the neck or throat of certain birds (chickens and turkeys) or lizards; SYN. lappet.
2. Stakes interwoven with branches to form a fence.
Method of constructing walls consisting of upright stakes bound together with withes (strong flexible shoots or twigs, usually of willow), and covered in mud or plaster. This was the usual way of building houses in medieval Europe; it was also the traditional method used in Australia, Africa, the Middle East, and the Far East.
ETYM Old Eng. wiker, wikir, osier, probably akin to AS. wîcan to give way. Related to Weak.
1. Slender flexible branches or twigs (especially of willow or some canes); used for wickerwork.
2. Something made of interlaced slender branches (especially willow branches); SYN. wickerwork, caning.