fearnought

American  

[feer-nawt] / ˈfɪərˌnɔt /

Or fearnaught

noun

1. a stout woolen cloth for overcoats.

2. an outer garment of this cloth.

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fearnought British  

/ ˈfɪəˌnɔːt /

noun

1. a heavy woollen fabric

2. a coat made of such fabric

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Etymology

Origin of fearnought

First recorded in 1765–75; fear + nought

Example Sentences

“No, no—number seven will do as well; Mrs C— wants some fearnought, to put down in the entrance hall.”

From The King's Own by Marryat, Frederick

From hatchways fore and aft, seamen clad in grey fearnought coats came tumbling on deck, greeting the British with jibes and laughter.

From The Submarine Hunters A Story of the Naval Patrol Work in the Great War by Hodgson, Edward S.

"Bravo!" exclaimed the skipper as a brawny bluejacket kicked off his sea-boots and, without attempting to rid himself of his fearnought coat and sweater, plunged overboard.

From The Fight for Constantinople A Story of the Gallipoli Peninsula by Westerman, Percy F. (Percy Francis)

Then John with his legs in a sack and a fearnought jacket round him, snored in the cutty, whilst Tony nodded sleepily outside.

From A Poor Man's House by Reynolds, Stephen Sydney

"Ay, but, my young fearnought," replied the falconer, "the friend will scarce be the better of being beside Father Ambrose—he may come by the redder's lick, and that is ever the worst of the battle."

From The Abbot by Scott, Walter, Sir