balbriggan

American  

[bal-brig-uhn] / bælˈbrɪg ən /

noun

1. a plain-knit cotton fabric, used especially in hosiery and underwear.

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balbriggan British  

/ bælˈbrɪɡən /

noun

1. a knitted unbleached cotton fabric

2. (often plural) underwear made of this

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Etymology

Origin of balbriggan

First recorded in 1855–60; after Balbriggan, town in Ireland, where first made

Example Sentences

Then, in all the glory of his brown balbriggan undershirt, he stood up in the aisle.

From Project Gutenberg

Six changes of underwear—merino or wool—and a dozen balbriggan or woolen hose will be sufficient.

From Project Gutenberg

Ordinary Peruvian cotton has a fibre nearly two inches long; it is used in the manufacture of hosiery and balbriggan underwear, and also to adulterate wool.

From Project Gutenberg

But fancy the shock to one’s æstheticism at seeing coarse balbriggan allied to barbaric splendour.

From Project Gutenberg

She steps over the stile and her shin defines itself through her balbriggan stocking.

From Project Gutenberg