dobby

American  

[dob-ee] / ˈdɒb i /

noun

dobbies plural

1. British Dialect. a fatuous person; fool.

2. Textiles.

   1. an attachment on a loom, used in weaving small patterns.

   2. Also called dobby weave.  a small geometric or floral pattern produced by this attachment.

   3. a fabric having such a pattern.

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dobby British  

/ ˈdɒbɪ /

noun

1. an attachment to a loom, used in weaving small figures

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• dobbies
  plural

Etymology

Origin of dobby

1685–95; akin to dial. dovie stupid, imbecile, derivative of dove to doze, dote, Old English dofian, dobian; cognate with German toben to rage; compare Old English dobende decrepit

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

dobby dobbies

When, however, more than 4 leaves are required for the weaving of a pattern, a dobby loom, of the nature of that shown in Fig.

From The Jute Industry: from Seed to Finished Cloth by Woodhouse, T.

But I’m doitered, And doting like a dobby.

From Krindlesyke by Gibson, Wilfrid Wilson

At the Manchester Royal Jubilee Exhibition, Messrs. Butterworth & Dickinson, Burnley, showed Catlow's patent dobby, which is illustrated above, as applied to a strong calico loom.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 647, May 26, 1888 by Various

It is woven with either the plain weave or a small all-over dobby effect.

From Textiles For Commercial, Industrial, and Domestic Arts Schools; Also Adapted to Those Engaged in Wholesale and Retail Dry Goods, Wool, Cotton, and Dressmaker's Trades by Dooley, William H. (William Henry)

It is a light, narrow cloth made with a coloured border which is often so elaborate as to require a dobby loom for its manufacture.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 7, Slice 5 "Cosway" to "Coucy" by Various

Also included in the spring 2006 sportswear line are shorts and casual pants in sueded twills, enzyme washed dobbies and yarn dye plaids.

From Time Magazine Archive