prunella

[ proo-nel-uh ]

noun

1. a strong, lightweight worsted constructed in a twill weave, used in the manufacture of women's and children's apparel.
2. a smooth-faced fabric made of mixed fibers or wool, formerly used in the manufacture of women's dresses and of robes for clerics, scholars, and lawyers.

prunella

¹

/ pruːˈnɛlə /

noun

1. See selfheal

prunella

²

/ pruːˈnɛlə; pruːˈnɛləʊ; pruːˈnɛl /

noun

1. a strong fabric, esp a twill-weave worsted, used for gowns and the uppers of some shoes

Word History and Origins

Origin of prunella¹

1650–60; perhaps special use of prunelle, from the dark color of the cloth

Word History and Origins

Origin of prunella¹

New Latin, altered from brunella, from German Braüne quinsy, which it was thought to cure

Origin of prunella²

C17: perhaps from prunelle , with reference to the colour of the cloth

Example Sentences

And hark you, sir, never care three straws for praise or blame,—leather and prunella!

From Project Gutenberg

A little aristocrat she was, from the poise of her golden head to the tip of her prunella boots.

From Project Gutenberg

Higher, higher yet flames the Fire-Sea; crackling with new dislocated timber; hissing with leather and prunella.

From Project Gutenberg

One day she called Prunella to her, and said: 'Take this basket, go to the well, and bring it back to me filled with water.

From Project Gutenberg

Prunella did it quite innocently, not knowing that she was doing wrong in taking the fruit that hung close to the roadside.

From Project Gutenberg