sleave

A fine thread or skein of thread.

Anything matted or raveled; hence, unspun silk; the knotted and entangled part of silk or thread.

To separate or divide, as a collection of threads, strands, or fibers.

The knotted or entangled part of silk or thread.

Silk not yet twisted; floss; — called also sleave silk.

To separate, as threads; to divide, as a collection of threads; to sley; — a weaver’s term.

To separate, as threads; to divide, as a collection of threads.