dobby
Americannoun
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dobbies
plural
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British Dialect. a fatuous person; fool.
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Textiles.
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an attachment on a loom, used in weaving small patterns.
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Also called dobby weave. a small geometric or floral pattern produced by this attachment.
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a fabric having such a pattern.
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noun
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
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
This dobby is a double lift one, thus obtaining a wide shed, and the use of two lattice barrels connected by gearing so that they both revolve in the same direction.
From Scientific American Supplement, No. 647, May 26, 1888 by Various
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
But I’m doitered, And doting like a dobby.
From Krindlesyke by Wilfrid Wilson Gibson
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 William H. (William Henry) Dooley
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
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