v. 1 a bend or close (a flexible thing) over upon itself. b (foil. by back, over, down) bend part of (a thing) (fold down the flap). 2 become or be able to be folded. 3 (foll. by away, up) make compact by folding. 4 (often foil. by up) colloq. collapse, cease to function. 5 enfold (esp. fold in the arms or to the breast). 6 (foll. by about, round) clasp (the arms). 7 (foll. by in) mix (an ingredient with others) gently. n. 1 folding. 2 line made by folding. 3 folded part. 4 hollow among hills. 5 curvature of geological strata. r fold one’s arms place or entwine them across the chest. fold one’s hands clasp them. [Old English]
