Mat

n. [A-S. meatte, matta, D. mat, O. H. Ger. mattō, matze, N. H. Ger. matte, Dan. maatte, matte, Sw. matto, It. matta, Sp. mata, from Lat. matta, a mat made of rushes.]

1. A texture of sedge, rushes, flags, husks, straw, or other material, to be laid on a floor for wiping and cleaning the feet, and for other purposes.
2. Any similar fabric for various uses, as for covering hot-houses, to put beneath dishes on a table, to secure rigging from friction, and the like; also any thing growing thickly, or closely interwoven, so as to resemble a mat in form or texture; as, a mat of weeds; a mat of hair.

[imp. & p. p. MATTED; p. pr. & vb. n. MATTING.]

1. To cover or lay with mats. Evelyn.
2. To twist together; to interweave like a mat; to entangle.

And o'er his eyebrows hung his matted hair. Dryden.