Lath

A lath is a thin, narrow strip of straight-grained wood used under roof shingles or tiles, on lath and plaster walls and ceilings to hold plaster, and in lattice and trellis work.

Lath has expanded to mean any type of backing material for plaster including a metal wire mesh or expanded metal that is applied to a wood or metal framework as matrix over which stucco or plaster is applied and wallboard products called gypsum or rock lath. Also reed mat was historically a lath material. One of the key elements of lath, whether wooden slats or wire mesh, are the openings or gaps that allow plaster or stucco to ooze behind and form a mechanical bond to the lath where gypsum lath relies more on a chemical bond.

Etymology

The word is recorded from the late 13th century and is likely derived from the Old English word *læððe, a variant of the word lætt. This in turn would seem to stem from a Proto-Germanic word *laþþo, from which have sprung words in many Germanic languages, e.g. Dutch lat, German Latte; the root has also found its way into Romance languages, cf. Italian latta, French latte, and is related to German lade, laden denoting a board, plank, sash, shutter, counter and hence also a shop.

Lath (horse)

Lath (foaled 1732) was a British Thoroughbred racehorse. He won at least four races, including a 1000 guinea sweepstakes at Newmarket and a match race against Squirt. After retiring from racing he became a stallion and produced a number of high class runners and also sired the grand-dam of St.Leger winner Hollandoise.

Background

Lath was a bay colt bred by Francis Godolphin, 2nd Earl of Godolphin, and foaled in 1732. His dam was Roxana, a daughter of Bald Galloway. In 1731 she was intended to be covered by Hobgoblin, but he refused her and she was sent to the Godolphin Arabian, who at the time was acting as a teaser stallion to Hobgoblin. The mating produced Lath, who was the Godolphin Arabian's first foal. Roxana later foaled Roundhead (by Flying Childers) and Cade (also by Godolphin Arabian). After Lath's success on the racetrack the Godolphin Arabian went on to become a top stallion and was champion sire in 1738, 1745 and 1747. He sired Cade, Regulus and Blank who also went on to become champion sires.

Lath (disambiguation)

A lath is a backing material for plaster that is applied to a wood or metal framework as matrix over which stucco or plaster is applied.

Lath may also refer to:

People with the surname

See also