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

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

The outfit also includes a black silk, taffeta and bombazine bodice, undergarments and a pair of small black boots.

From BBC

Black bombazine has been much used for mourning garments.

From Project Gutenberg

Maids in black bombazine and white aprons waited to serve as in bounced young girls dancing and frolicking in plaid sheath dresses, pretty sweater sets, sweet pencil skirts and striped party frocks.

From New York Times