bombazine

American  

[bom-buh-zeen, bom-buh-zeen] / ˌbɒm bəˈzin, ˈbɒm bəˌzin /

Also bombasine

noun

1. a twill fabric constructed of a silk or rayon warp and worsted filling, often dyed black for mourning wear.

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bombazine British  

/ ˌbɒmbəˈziːn, ˈbɒmbəˌziːn /

noun

1. a twilled fabric, esp one with a silk warp and worsted weft, formerly worn dyed black for mourning

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Etymology

Origin of bombazine

1545–55; earlier bombasin < Middle French < Medieval Latin bombasinum, variant of bombȳcinum, noun use of neuter of Latin bombȳcinus silken < Greek bombȳ́kinos, equivalent to bombȳk-, stem of bómbȳx “silkworm” + -inos -ine ¹

Example Sentences

“What a fine sight an old working man makes, in his patched bombazine suit with his bald head,” Vincent wrote.

From Reuters • Sep. 16, 2021

They emerge from their time, which is why Jacobeans saw ghosts wearing pale shrouds and Victorians saw them draped in black bombazine.

From New York Times • Oct. 22, 2018

"I believe in sunshine, fresh air, spinach, applesauce, laughter, buttermilk, babies, bombazine and chiffon."

From Time Magazine Archive

Cour, pince-nezed and Tat-tersall-vested, impersonated "Monsieur Albert," who poses in caf� society as a rich joyeux gar�on�but fools nobody, because he has forgotten to remove his bombazine bookkeeper's sleeves.

From Time Magazine Archive

Her cheery hat contrasted with a black bombazine dress, suitable for mourning.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock