whipcord

American  

[hwip-kawrd, wip-] / ˈʰwɪpˌkɔrd, ˈwɪp- /

noun

1. a cotton, woolen, or worsted fabric with a steep, diagonally ribbed surface.

2. a strong, hard-twisted cord, sometimes used for the lashes of whips.

3. a cord made from the intestines of animals; catgut.

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whipcord British  

/ ˈwɪpˌkɔːd /

noun

1. a strong worsted or cotton fabric with a diagonally ribbed surface

2. a closely twisted hard cord used for the lashes of whips, etc

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Etymology

Origin of whipcord

First recorded in 1275–1325, whipcord is from the Middle English word wyppe-cord. See whip, cord

Example Sentences

The old coachman’s neck muscles strained to whipcords as he held the horses back.

From Literature

Still, he seemed so young at times, so whipcord thin.

From Los Angeles Times

When they pulled up, Redemption was standing on the sidewalk, waiting, tall and whipcord lean.

From Literature

One exhibit case holds the handsome gray whipcord uniform worn by Georgia A. Cerow, who, after graduating from Barnard College, traveled to France, where she eventually helped manage a Red Cross warehouse.

From Washington Post

He was a short, intense man with a whipcord body who had been through the Green Berets’ scuba-diving school.

From Literature