messaline

[ mes-uh-leen, mes-uh-leen ]

noun

1. a thin, soft silk with a twill or satin weave.

messaline

/ ˌmɛsəˈliːn; ˈmɛsəˌliːn /

noun

1. a light lustrous twilled-silk fabric

Word History and Origins

Origin of messaline¹

Borrowed into English from French around 1905–10

Word History and Origins

Origin of messaline¹

C20: from French, origin obscure

Example Sentences

Her gown of old rose messaline was cut very low in the neck, with mere abbreviations in the way of sleeves.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. de Lara's latest production, 'Sanga' , does not seem to have sustained the promise of 'Messaline.'

From Project Gutenberg

Julia Graham, a rather stout, pleasant-faced young woman in pink messaline, bowed to Miriam.

From Project Gutenberg

Emma McChesney drew from the rack a skirt of king's blue satin messaline and held it at arm's length.

From Project Gutenberg

Dorothy smiled as she turned her back and folded the messaline dress, placing it carefully in her trunk.

From Project Gutenberg