ourdir

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to warp, to prepare the warp, to plot, to scheme, to hatch
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/uʁ.diʁ/
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To arrange threads or hidden plans before they take shape.
Practice using ourdir in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • Les conspirateurs ourdissaient un coup d'État.
    The conspirators were plotting a coup.
  • Ils ont ourdi une campagne de désinformation.
    They orchestrated a disinformation campaign.
  • Le roman révèle peu à peu l'intrigue ourdie par le ministre.
    The novel gradually reveals the plot hatched by the minister.
  • Un piège avait été ourdi dans le plus grand secret.
    A trap had been devised in complete secrecy.
  • Les fils ourdis sont ensuite fixés au métier.
    The warped threads are then fixed to the loom.

Similar words

disposer les fils
manigancer
préparer la chaîne
tramer
machiner
conspirer

Meanings

Prepare a loom's warp

verb
textiles
technical
To arrange the lengthwise threads of a fabric before weaving begins.

Examples

  • L'atelier ourdit la chaîne avant de monter le métier.
    The workshop warps the threads before setting up the loom.
  • La tisserande ourdit les fils de coton avec précision.
    The weaver arranges the warp of the cotton threads precisely.
  • Il faut ourdir la chaîne avant de commencer à tisser.
    You must prepare the warp before starting to weave.
  • La machine ourdit plusieurs centaines de fils à la fois.
    The machine warps several hundred threads at once.
  • Les fils ourdis sont ensuite fixés au métier.
    The warped threads are then fixed to the loom.

Similar words

préparer la chaîne
disposer les fils

Plot in secret

verb
intrigue
literary
To devise a secret plan, usually one intended to harm or deceive.

Examples

  • Les conspirateurs ourdissaient un coup d'État.
    The conspirators were plotting a coup.
  • Elle soupçonne ses rivaux d'ourdir une manœuvre contre elle.
    She suspects her rivals of scheming against her.
  • Un piège avait été ourdi dans le plus grand secret.
    A trap had been devised in complete secrecy.
  • Ils ont ourdi une campagne de désinformation.
    They orchestrated a disinformation campaign.
  • Le roman révèle peu à peu l'intrigue ourdie par le ministre.
    The novel gradually reveals the plot hatched by the minister.

Similar words

tramer
machiner
manigancer
conspirer

Etymology

From Latin ordiri, “to begin weaving”; the planned arrangement of threads gave rise to the figurative sense of devising a plot.

FAQ

What does ourdir mean?

To prepare warp threads or to plot secretly.

Is ourdir still used for weaving?

Yes, as a technical textile verb.

What is commonly ourdi figuratively?

A plot, trap or conspiracy.

Is the figurative sense neutral?

Usually not; it suggests secret or harmful planning.

What is the past participle?

Ourdi, with agreement as required.

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