madras

¹ American  

[mad-ruhs, muh-dras, -drahs] / ˈmæd rəs, məˈdræs, -ˈdrɑs /

noun

1. a light cotton fabric of various weaves, especially one in multicolored plaid or stripes, used for shirts, dresses, jackets, etc.

2. a thin curtain fabric of a light, gauzelike weave with figures of heavier yarns.

3. a large, brightly colored kerchief, of silk or cotton, often used for turbans.

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adjective

1. made of or resembling madras.

Madras ² American  

[muh-dras, -drahs] / məˈdræs, -ˈdrɑs /

noun

1. former name of Chennai

2. former name of Tamil Nadu.

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madras ¹ British  

/ ˈmædrəs, məˈdræs, -ˈdrɑːs /

noun

1. 1. a strong fine cotton or silk fabric, usually with a woven stripe

   2. ( as modifier )

      madras cotton

2. something made of this, esp a scarf

3. a medium-hot curry

   chicken madras

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Madras ² British  

/ məˈdrɑːs, -ˈdræs /

noun

1. the former official name of Chennai

2. the former name (until 1968) for the state of Tamil Nadu

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Etymology

Origin of madras

First recorded in 1825–35; named after Madras

Example Sentences

A screenwriter friend of mine emailed me midway through the event to say that Sanders resembled “a very angry chess player in Washington Square Park in an undershirt and madras shorts in the summer heat.”

From Seattle Times

And, for the most part, avoid patterns: Florals can appear too Gap Kids, while plaid or madras can skew too geezer.

From The Wall Street Journal

At the 1965 Masters, I showed up in a pair of madras pants.

From Golf Digest

In a color-coordinated combo of madras, polyester and fake leather, I’m as proud as a mud brown peacock, absorbing the student body sendoff as we board the bus for the airport.

From Los Angeles Times

Rosé at Thanksgiving would be like wearing white shoes and madras shorts — it’s just not done.

From New York Times