An aphetic form of ‘abiliment’ which derives from French ‘habillement’ and was used in the sixteenth century for ornamental articles of a woman’s attire, especially those round the head and neck.
It is best known as a term in hedging, where a ‘binder’ was a pliable branch or rod, usually of hazel, one which served to secure the wooden fence stakes.
In the singular the word ‘blending’ had several related meanings in the textile industry, all connected with the mixing of wool. In agriculture it was used in the plural, for peas and beans grown together as food for cattle.
Commonly used in phrases such as ‘a blind corner’ and found frequently in minor place-names in reference to something out of the way or difficult to see.