buckram

[ buhk-ruhm ]

noun

1. a stiff cotton fabric for interlinings, book bindings, etc.
2. stiffness of manner; extreme preciseness or formality.

verb (used with object)

, buck·ramed, buck·ram·ing.

1. to strengthen with buckram.
2. Archaic. to give a false appearance of importance, value, or strength to.

buckram

/ ˈbʌkrəm /

noun

1. 1. cotton or linen cloth stiffened with size, etc, used in lining or stiffening clothes, bookbinding, etc
   2. ( as modifier )

      a buckram cover

2. archaic.
   stiffness of manner

verb

1. tr to stiffen with buckram

Word History and Origins

Origin of buckram¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English bokeram, buk(e)ram, from Old French bo(u)querant, Old Italian bucherame, perhaps from Middle High German buckeram, said to be named after Bukhara, once noted for textiles

Word History and Origins

Origin of buckram¹

C14: from Old French boquerant , from Old Provençal bocaran , ultimately from Bukhara , once an important source of textiles

Example Sentences

At our challenge they have now taken to their heels like Falstaff's eleven rogues in buckram suits.

From Project Gutenberg

Making frames for hats follows—the frames are of wire and buckram.

From Project Gutenberg

A Special Presentation Edition, bound in white buckram, with extra gilt ornament.

From Project Gutenberg

They might have been weighted with buckram, although it was no longer in general use.

From Project Gutenberg

They are very poorly clad, for their clothes are only of the skins of beasts, and canvas, and buckram.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• arthritic
• creaky
• rigid
• solid
• stark
• tense
• thick
• tight
• wooden