[a. F. torsade a twisted fringe, f. L. stem tors- twisted: see TORSE1 and -ADE.] A twisted fringe, cord, or ribbon, used as an adornment in head-dresses, curtains, etc.
1860. Times-Picayune, 19 Feb., 12/2. The tails … are made of silk, trimmed with costly lace, and adorned with torsades of pearls.
1882. Society, 14 Oct., 24/1. Another … hat was composed of cream white felt,… trimmed with … torsades of cream velvet.
1889. Harper’s Mag., April, 753/1. Little children,… with their heads shaven, and on the crown a tuft of hair bound up and lengthened out with torsades of red wool.
1894. Season, X. 35/2. A velvet and silk torsade.
