Emily Dickinson Lexicon

THATCH, n. [Sax. thac, connected with theccan, thecan, to cover; L. tego, Eng. deck; G. dach, a roof; D. dak; Sw. tak; Dan. tag, tække; Gaelic, tughe, tuighe. The primary sense is to put on, to spread over or make close.]

Straw or other substance used to cover the roofs of buildings, or stacks of hay or grain, for securing them from rain, &c.