mohair

American  

[moh-hair] / ˈmoʊˌhɛər /

noun

1. the coat or fleece of an Angora goat.

2. a fabric made of yarn from this fleece, in a plain weave for draperies and in a pile weave for upholstery.

3. a garment made of this fabric.

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mohair British  

/ ˈməʊˌhɛə /

noun

1. Also called: angora.  the long soft silky hair that makes up the outer coat of the Angora goat

2. 1. a fabric made from the yarn of this hair and cotton or wool

   2. ( as modifier )

      a mohair suit

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Etymology

Origin of mohair

1560–70; variant (by folk etymology) of earlier mocayare < Italian moccaiaro < Arabic mukhayyar literally, chosen, choice, past participle of khayyara to choose

Example Sentences

Temporary “skins,” made from mohair and nylon, can be attached to the bottoms of skis for pushing along flats and inclines on the way up.

From Los Angeles Times

Moves up to the front and looks over at the soundboard, standing at the back almost alone, a fashion plate in his sky blue mohair cardigan and plum wide-legged pants.

From New York Times

Later, they used the estate’s vast green space to raise sheep and Angora goats for the animals’ wool and mohair.

From Washington Post

The caterpillars eat animal fibers, meaning wool, mohair, cashmere, leather, fur and feathers.

From Washington Post

Mushrooms appeared in vibrant colors on tattered oversize knits, growing freaky tendrils via single strands of flowing mohair.

From New York Times

Related Words

• cashmere
• fleece
• fur
• hair
• tweed
• yarn