feileadh

Feileadh is a Gaelic term with several meanings, most commonly referring to a fold or a plait. In historical contexts, it is often associated with the feileadh mór, a type of large, ancient kilt worn by Scottish Highlanders. This garment was a significant piece of traditional Scottish attire, distinguished by its size and the intricate way it was draped and fastened.

The feileadh mór was not a pre-stitched garment in the way modern kilts are. Instead, it was a large length of tartan cloth, typically around five yards, which the wearer would wrap around their body and secure with pins and a belt. This method allowed for flexibility and warmth, as the cloth could be adjusted to suit different conditions and activities. It was a practical and symbolic garment, deeply embedded in Highland culture and identity.

Beyond its sartorial significance, the term feileadh can also broadly mean a fold, a wrap, or even a secret or mystery in certain poetic or archaic usages. The linguistic roots of the word connect it to concepts of wrapping, enclosing, and concealing. While the feileadh mór is its most widely recognized application, the underlying meaning of 'folding' or 'wrapping' is fundamental to its etymology.