(a) Straw, reeds, or similar material used in covering a roof, thatch; also, such material put to other uses; lode thach; (b) a covering of thatch or of lead, tiles, etc. over a roof; also, a roof……

Used contrastively: (a) however, yet, nevertheless; ?also, moreover [quots. c1275, 2nd, and perh. a1400]; also, in correl. construction with though conj.: though..though, although..still; (b)……

(a) In spite of the fact that, although; also, however much, however many; (b) in clauses restricting or otherwise qualifying the statement of the main clause: except that; granted that; even though……