Definition of "warp" []

• To turn or twist (wood, for example) out of shape. (verb-transitive)
• To turn from a correct or proper course; deflect. (verb-transitive)
• To affect unfavorably, unfairly, or wrongly; bias. See Synonyms at bias. (verb-transitive)
• To arrange (strands of yarn or thread) so that they run lengthwise in weaving. (verb-transitive)
• Nautical To move (a vessel) by hauling on a line that is fastened to or around a piling, anchor, or pier. (verb-transitive)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "They are then called upon to "weave the warp, and weave the woof," perhaps, with no great propriety; for it is by crossing the _woof_ with the _warp_ that men _weave_ the _web_ or piece; and the first line was dearly bought by the admission of its wretched correspondent, "give ample room and verge enough [198].""
• "II. vii.187 (275,6) [Tho 'thou the waters warp] To _warp_ was probably, in Shakespeare's time, a colloquial word, which conveyed no distant allusion to any thing else, physical or medicinal."
• "'are called upon to "Weave the warp, and weave the woof," perhaps with no great propriety; for it is by crossing the _woof_ with the _warp_ that men weave the _web_ or piece; and the first line was dearly bought by the admission of its wretched correspondent, "Give ample room and verge enough.""