Manila hemp

American  

noun

1. a fibrous material made from the leafstalks of the abacá, Musa textilis, used for making ropes, fabrics, etc.

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Manila hemp British  

noun

1. a fibre obtained from the plant abaca, used for rope, paper, etc

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Etymology

Origin of Manila hemp

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

The stalk contains 10-20% of a fiber that is superior to cotton and linen intensile strength, second only to Manila hemp.

From Time Magazine Archive

Manila hemp comes from abaca, a plant much like the one bananas grow on.

From Time Magazine Archive

The principal products for export are "Manila" hemp, sugar, and tobacco.

From Commercial Geography A Book for High Schools, Commercial Courses, and Business Colleges by Redway, Jacques W. (Jacques Wardlaw)

One of the most interesting productions of the island is Manila hemp.

From The Former Philippines thru Foreign Eyes by Craig, Austin

Manila rope—A rope made from Manila hemp, a fibrous material which is obtained from the leaves of plants which grow in the Philippine Islands.

From Scouting For Girls, Official Handbook of the Girl Scouts by Bacon, Josephine Dodge Daskam