silesia

¹ American  

[si-lee-zhuh, -shuh, sahy-] / sɪˈli ʒə, -ʃə, saɪ- /

noun

1. a lightweight, smoothly finished, twilled fabric of acetate, rayon, or cotton, for garment linings.

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Silesia ² American  

[si-lee-zhuh, -shuh, sahy-] / sɪˈli ʒə, -ʃə, saɪ- /

noun

1. a region in central Europe along both banks of the upper Oder River, mainly in SW Poland and the N Czech Republic: formerly divided between Germany (which had the largest portion), Poland, and Czechoslovakia; by provision of the Potsdam agreement 1945, the greater part of German Silesia came under Polish administration; rich deposits of coal, iron, and other minerals.

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Silesia ¹ British  

/ saɪˈliːʃɪə /

noun

1. German name: Schlesien.  Czech name: Slezsko.  Polish name: Śląsk.  a region of central Europe around the upper and middle Oder valley: mostly annexed by Prussia in 1742 but became almost wholly Polish in 1945; rich coal and iron-ore deposits

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silesia ² British  

/ saɪˈliːʃɪə /

noun

1. a twill-weave fabric of cotton or other fibre, used esp for pockets, linings, etc

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Other Word Forms

• Silesian adjective

Etymology

Origin of silesia

First recorded in 1665–70; named after Silesia

Example Sentences

“Yes, I want some twilled silesia, a paper of number nine needles, and two yards of narrow lavender ribbon. Have you got your thick boots on, and something warm under your cloak?”

From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott

Yes; I want some twilled silesia, a paper of number nine needles, and two yards of narrow lavender ribbon.

From Little Women or Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy by Alcott, Louisa May

These are used over silk and silesia for backgrounds, and are exceedingly pretty, with pillow shams to match.

From The Ladies Book of Useful Information Compiled from many sources by Anonymous

Yes, I want some twilled silesia, a paper of number nine needles, and two yards of narrow lavender ribbon.

From Little Women by Alcott, Louisa May

Cloak Buttons In sewing buttons on a cloak or coat an extra strip of canvas or silesia over the canvas interlining should be placed the entire length of the buttoning for strength.

From Textiles and Clothing by Watson, Kate Heintz