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messaline

American  
[mes-uh-leen, mes-uh-leen] / ˌmɛs əˈlin, ˈmɛs əˌlin /

noun

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


messaline British  
/ ˌmɛsəˈliːn, ˈmɛsəˌliːn /

noun

  1. a light lustrous twilled-silk fabric

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of messaline

Borrowed into English from French around 1905–10

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

I perceive in you so excellent a touch of modesty, that you will not extort from me what I am willing to keep in; therefore it charges me in manners the rather to express myself.—You must know of me then, Antonio, my name is Sebastian, which I called Rodorigo; my father was that Sebastian of Messaline, whom I know you have heard of: He left behind him, myself, and a sister, both born in an hour.

From Project Gutenberg

Of Messaline: Sebastian was my father; Such a Sebastian was my brother too, So went he suited to his watery tomb: If spirits can assume both form and suit, You come to fright us.

From Project Gutenberg

“Shall I take my messaline dress, Tavia?”

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

The countess wore a beautiful gown of white messaline.

From Project Gutenberg