Definition

1. Noun:
   • A strong, flexible twig or branch, typically from a willow tree, used for tying or binding things together, or for weaving baskets and other items.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The gardener used a withy to tie the young sapling to a stake for support.
  • Traditional baskets are often woven from withies harvested from willow trees.

Advanced Usage

• "To be as tough as a withy": An expression describing someone or something that is very resilient and hard to break.
  • Despite his age, the old sailor was as tough as a withy.

Variants and Related Words

• Withies (plural noun): Multiple strong, flexible twigs.
  • She gathered a bundle of withies for her weaving project.

Synonyms

• Osier: A type of willow whose twigs are used for basketwork; also refers to the twig itself.
• Withe: An archaic or alternative spelling for a flexible willow twig.
• Switch: A slender, flexible shoot, rod, or twig.

Idioms and Phrases

• "To bind with a withy": To tie or secure something using a flexible twig.
  • He bound the faggots with a withy.

Noun

1. strong flexible twig