The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Wreath \Wreath\ (?; 277), n.; pl. Wreaths. [OE. wrethe, AS.
   wr[=ae][eth] a twisted band, fr. wr[imac][eth]an to twist.
   See Writhe.]
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   1. Something twisted, intertwined, or curled; as, a wreath of
      smoke; a wreath of flowers. "A wrethe of gold." --Chaucer.
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            [He] of his tortuous train
            Curled many a wanton wreath.          --Milton.
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   2. A garland; a chaplet, esp. one given to a victor.
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            Conquest doth grant
            He dear wreath to the Grecian combatant. --Chapman.
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            Far back in the ages,
            The plow with wreaths was crowned.    --Bryant.
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   3. (Her.) An appendage to the shield, placed above it, and
      supporting the crest (see Illust. of Crest). It
      generally represents a twist of two cords of silk, one
      tinctured like the principal metal, the other like the
      principal color in the arms.
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