tress (n.) Look up tress at Dictionary.com
c. 1300, "long lock of hair," from Old French tresse "a plait or braid of hair" (12c.), of uncertain origin, perhaps from Vulgar Latin *trichia "braid, rope," from Greek trikhia "rope," from thrix (genitive trikhos) "hair." Related: Tresses.
tress (v.) Look up tress at Dictionary.com
"arrange in tresses," mid-14c., from Old French trecier (12c.), from tresse (see tress (n.)).