BRAIDED, BRAIDING (πλέγμα, ἐμπλοκή [1 Tim 2:9; 1 Pet 3:3]). The braiding of the hair refers to the custom practiced by women of means during the Rom. period. It involved the elaborate entwining of the hair into knots or braids. The braids would then be folded about the head in a high ornamental fashion often including thin threads of gold, pearls or precious stones of various colors. Two of the NT church leaders speak against this practice because of its identification with the world system of that day. They felt that it brought undue attention to the physical attractions of women, thus causing them to be diverted from their basic calling in life.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (1915)

brad’-ed, brad’-ing (to plegama, "that which is plaited," 1Ti 2:9; he emploke, "a plaiting," 1Pe 3:3): Used with reference to Christian women in two passages where the apostles emphasized the superiority of good works and spiritual grace over outward adornment.

See Embroidery.