2584: Incongruent Spelling of 'Plait' Jan 10, 2022

Sometimes, spelling that doesn't appear congruent with the standard pronunciation never would have been. Sometimes letters are added for historical reasons, as many writers of Middle English wanted to have stronger ties between French or Latin. In the case of 'plait', pronounced [plæt], there actually was an alternative spelling in Middle English of 'plat' but also 'plait' as rhymes with 'plate' in certain regions. The spelling of 'plait' remain but not with its original pronunciation.