grogram

American  

[grog-ruhm] / ˈgrɒg rəm /

noun

1. a coarse fabric of silk, of silk and mohair or wool, or of wool, formerly in use.

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grogram British  

/ ˈɡrɒɡrəm /

noun

1. a coarse fabric of silk, wool, or silk mixed with wool or mohair, often stiffened with gum, formerly used for clothing

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Etymology

Origin of grogram

From Middle French gros grain, dating back to 1555–65. See grosgrain

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Explanation

Grogram is a type of fabric that's a mix of silk and wool. Grogram was once commonly used to make clothes, but it’s kind of scratchy so people don’t use it much anymore. Combine silk with wool (or mohair) and what do you get? Grogram (if it's woven rather coarsely and/or stiffened with gum). The original French term was gros grain, for "coarse grain.” Grogram was once commonly used, but it had pretty much finished its time in the fashion spotlight by the 19th century. The more generic term grosgrain refers to similar material today. Since grogram is rough, it was good for making a jacket but not ideal for underwear.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

grogram

He stood opposite to Amy for some moments, then said, with a smile, 'I was wrong about the grogram.

From The Heir of Redclyffe by Charlotte Mary Yonge

Sir Marmaduke had been very kind, had given him a new suit of grogram, lined with flowered silk, which Lambert thought the richest garment he had ever seen.

From The Nest of the Sparrowhawk by Emmuska Orczy, Baroness Orczy

In truth, he thought she looked very pretty in it, better than in grogram or in linsey-woolsey, although at double the cost.

From The Golden Dog by William Kirby

The admiral at that time wore a grogram coat, for which reason they nicknamed him "Old Grog," &c.

From The Jest Book The Choicest Anecdotes and Sayings by Mark Lemon

There must be the church, and all that; and for the rest, Amy, I don't think I shall find out whether you wear lace or grogram.'

From The Heir of Redclyffe by Charlotte Mary Yonge

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