ontology

ontology - n - The branch of metaphysics that studies the nature of existence or being as such.

I was - and occasionally still am - deeply interested in philosophical questions. The question ontology deals with is, "What is reality?" Bishop George Berkeley (1685-1753) thought reality was no more than sensual impressions projected on our senses from God's mind, a notion that holds up surprisingly well against attempts at refutation. Ronald Knox wittily summarized Berkeley's thought in two limericks:

There was a young man who said "God
Must think it exceedingly odd
If he finds that this tree
Continues to be
When there's no one about in the Quad."

"Dear Sir, your astonishment's odd;
I am always about in the Quad
And that's why this tree
Will continue to be
Since observed by Yours faithfully, God."

pleat

pleat - noun - a fold in cloth made by doubling the marterial upon itself then pressing or stitching it into place.

This is a technique of gathering a wide amount of cloth into a narrower circumference, most commonly seen in skirts or kilts.

(I think I beat Natalie to this word )

embroidery

embroidery - n. - the art or process of forming decorative designs with hand or machine needlework; elaboration by use of decorative and often fictitious detail