weld

Etymology 1

From Middle English welde, wolde, from Old English *weald, weard, variant form of wād, Proto-West Germanic *waiʀd, from Proto-Germanic *waizdaz. Alternatively reborrowed from or contaminated by Anglo-Norman wold, wolde (compare Old French guaide). Doublet of woad. Dutch wouw is derived from the same basic form with -l-.

noun

1. A herb (Reseda luteola) related to mignonette, growing in Europe, and to some extent in America, used to make a yellow dye.
2. The yellow coloring matter or dye extracted from this plant.

Etymology 2

Alteration of well (“boil, rise”), probably influenced by the past participle, welled.

verb

1. (transitive) To join two materials (especially two metals) together by applying heat, pressure and filler, either separately or in any combination.
2. (transitive) To bind together inseparably; to unite closely or intimately.
   The arrows pierced through the welded ranks of the opposing army.
   Now should men see / Two women faster welded in one love / Than pairs of wedlock. 1847, Alfred Lord Tennyson, The Princess

noun

1. The joint made by welding.
   Excessive spot weld time may cause the electrode tips to mushroom, resulting in no focus of current and a weak weld. 2001, James E. Duffy, I-Car Professional Automotive Collision Repair, page 173

Etymology 3

From Old English weald (sense 2).

verb

1. (transitive, obsolete) To wield.
   [Arthur says to a wicked giant] "he that alle the world weldeth gyue the ſorte lyf & ſameful dethe" ("He who wields all the world gives thee short life and shameful death") 1485: Sir Thomas Malory, Le Morte D'Arthur, p. 168 line 2 (Sommer edition)
   [Arthur says to conquering knights] "ye be worthy to welde all your honour and worship" 1485: Sir Thomas Malory, Le Morte D'Arthur, p. 172 line 2 (Sommer edition)