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

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

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 Yonge, Charlotte Mary

The admiral, at that time, wore a grogram coat, for which reason they nick-named himPg 104 "Old Grog," hence, by degrees, the mixed liquor he introduced universally obtained the name of "Grog."

From The Book of Three Hundred Anecdotes Historical, Literary, and Humorous—A New Selection by Various

In bad weather he was in the habit of walking the deck in a rough grogram cloak, and thence had obtained the nickname of Old Grog in the Service.

From Notes and Queries, Number 04, November 24, 1849 by Various

"Plain Goody" would no longer down, 'T was "Madam," in her grogram gown.

From The Humorous Poetry of the English Language; from Chaucer to Saxe by Parton, James

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 Yonge, Charlotte Mary