Canton flannel

American

noun

a plain-weave or twill-weave cotton fabric with a long, fleecy nap usually on one side only, used for sportswear, undergarments, backings and linings, etc.

Canton flannel British

/ ˈkæntɒn, -tən /

noun

another name for cotton flannel

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of Canton flannel

1880–85; after Canton, China

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Then a roar announced the appearance of the Rickettsville team and their opponents, who wore the name of Spatsburg on their Canton flannel shirts.

From The Redheaded Outfield by Grey, Zane

Canton flannel suit of white, trimmed with long points cut from cloth, to represent icicles.

From The White Christmas and other Merry Christmas Plays by Hare, Walter Ben

Next to the table you must have a heavy undercloth of felt or Canton flannel.

From Harper's Round Table, October 1, 1895 by Various

Canton flannel, fleecy side up, is best, but any kind will answer the purpose.

From Little Folks' Handy Book by Beard, Adelia B. (Adelia Belle)

If used with care, an undercloth of this kind will last a long time, and I have found Canton flannel much more satisfactory than felt.

From Harper's Round Table, October 1, 1895 by Various

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023