Regular parts of close-knit garland (3)
I believe the answer is:
lei
'garland' is the definition.
('lei' can be a synonym of 'garland')
I can't explain the rest of the clue.
(Other definitions for lei that I've seen before include "Hawaiin flower garland" , "cash for Romanians" , "colourful flower arrangement" , "Floral necklace" , "Hawaiian wreath" .)