Manila hemp

American  

noun

1. a fibrous material made from the leafstalks of the abacá, Musa textilis, used for making ropes, fabrics, etc.

---

Manila hemp British  

noun

1. a fibre obtained from the plant abaca, used for rope, paper, etc

---

Etymology

Origin of Manila hemp

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Manila hemp

The stalk contains 10-20% of a fiber that is superior to cotton and linen intensile strength, second only to Manila hemp.

From Time Magazine Archive

Manila hemp comes from abaca, a plant much like the one bananas grow on.

From Time Magazine Archive

He has shown me letters from the Philippine Chamber of Commerce at Manila and other commercial organizations prophesying ruin to the Manila hemp industry in the event the export tax should continue.

From The American Occupation of the Philippines 1898-1912 by Blount, James H.

The best Manila hemp ought to be white, dry, and of a long and fine fiber.

From The Former Philippines thru Foreign Eyes by Craig, Austin

You see this silence inures to the benefit of the interests that have cornered the Manila hemp industry.

From The American Occupation of the Philippines 1898-1912 by Blount, James H.