Explait

/ɛkˈspleɪt/ verb

Definition

An archaic or rare term meaning to explain or unfold in detail; to elaborate on something.

Etymology

From Old French esplait, possibly from Latin ex- 'out' + plait (related to plait, to fold or braid). An obsolete cousin of explain.

Kelly Says

Explait is a ghost word haunting medieval English texts—it means the same as explain but sounds more like the act of unfolding something delicate, like carefully unbraiding a complicated knot.

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