fold

fold

fold¹ [fōld]

vt.

[ME folden < OE faldan (WS fealdan), akin to Ger falten < IE * pel-to < base * pel-, to fold > (SIM)PLE, (TRI)PLE]

1.

a) to bend or press (something) so that one part is over another; double up on itself [to fold a sheet]

b) to make more compact by so doubling a number of times

2. to draw together and intertwine [to fold the arms]

3. to draw (wings) close to the body

4. to clasp in the arms; embrace

5. to wrap up; envelop

vi.

1. to be or become folded

☆ 2. Informal to fail; specif.,

a) to be forced to close, as a business, play, etc.

b) to succumb, as to exhaustion; collapse

☆ 3. Poker to withdraw from the betting on a hand, specif. by turning over one's exposed cards

n.

1. a folded part or layer

2. a mark made by folding

3. a hollow or crease produced by folded parts or layers

4. Brit. a hollow; small valley

5. Geol. a rock layer folded by pressure

——————

fold in

Cooking to blend (an ingredient) into a mixture, using gentle, cutting strokes

fold² [fōld]

n.

[ME < OE fald, akin to Du vaalt, enclosed place, Dan fold, sheep pen]

1. a pen in which to keep sheep

2. sheep kept together; flock of sheep

3. a group or organization with common interests, aims, faith, etc., as a church

vt.

to keep or confine in a pen