dress goods

noun

, (usually used with a plural verb)

1. cloth or material for dresses.

Word History and Origins

Origin of dress goods¹

An Americanism dating back to 1870–75

Example Sentences

Mrs. Neverby and Mrs. Sampelle discovered sauntering along near a prominent counter strewn with rich woollen dress-goods.

From Project Gutenberg

Dress goods—silk over $1.50 a square yard; cotton over 50 cents a square yard, and wool over $2 per square yard.

From Project Gutenberg

Satin stripes are frequent in madras, shirtings, and fancy dress goods in connection with plain and figured weaves.

From Project Gutenberg

Dress goods fall naturally into two distinct classes when regarded from the standpoint of fashion—staples and fancies.

From Project Gutenberg

Empress cloth was a staple in all well-regulated dress goods lines.

From Project Gutenberg