Definition of lath

< latex paint

lathe >

lath    (lth) KEY 

NOUN:
pl. laths  (lz, lths) KEY 

1. 1. A thin strip of wood or metal, usually nailed in rows to framing supports as a substructure for plaster, shingles, slates, or tiles.
   2. A building material, such as a sheet of metal mesh, used for similar purposes.
2. 1. A quantity of laths; lathing.
   2. Work made with or from lath.

TRANSITIVE VERB:
lathed, lath·ing, laths

To build, cover, or line with laths.

---

ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English latthe, probably alteration (influenced by Welsh llath, rod), of Old English lætt