lather lather /ˈlæðɝ/

noun

1. () The froth produced by soaps or detergents  ( soapsuds , lather , suds )
   the froth produced by soaps or detergents
     The soap created a luxurious lather, enveloping their hands in a soft, fragrant foam.
   The soap created a luxurious lather, enveloping their hands in a soft, fragrant foam.
   
   
2. The foam resulting from excessive sweating (as on a horse)  ( lather )
   the foam resulting from excessive sweating (as on a horse)
   
3. A workman who puts up laths  ( lather )
   a workman who puts up laths
   
4. Agitation resulting from active worry  ( fret , lather , stew [Informal] , sweat [Informal] , swither [Dialect, UK] )
   agitation resulting from active worry
    Don't get in a stew
   don't get in a stew
    He's in a sweat about exams
   he's in a sweat about exams
   

verb

1. Rub soap all over, usually with the purpose of cleaning  ( lather , soap )
   rub soap all over, usually with the purpose of cleaning
   
2. Exude sweat or lather  ( lather )
   exude sweat or lather
    This unfit horse lathers easily
   this unfit horse lathers easily
   
3. Form a lather  ( lather )
   form a lather
    The shaving cream lathered
   The shaving cream lathered
   
4. Beat severely with a whip or rod  ( lather , strap , trounce , flog , lash , slash , welt , whip )
   beat severely with a whip or rod
    The teacher often flogged the students
   The teacher often flogged the students
    The children were severely trounced
   The children were severely trounced