swan's-down

British  

noun

1. the fine soft down feathers of a swan, used to trim powder puffs, clothes, etc

2. a thick soft fabric of wool with silk, cotton, or rayon, used for infants' clothing, etc

3. a cotton fabric with a heavy nap

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

swan's-down

The lines of her figure were shrouded in a loose, wadded gown of dove-coloured silk, bordered with swan's-down.

From The History of Sir Richard Calmady A Romance by Malet, Lucas

If I'd a been born with a little white choker round my swan's-down, I'd have shouted the news from the mulberry tree.

From Aladdin of London or, Lodestar by Pemberton, Max, Sir

Furniture made of dark wood with inlaid work of copper filled the sleeping apartment, where, on a platform covered with swan's-down, stood the large canopied bedstead trimmed with ostrich-feathers.

From Sentimental Education Vol 1 by Flaubert, Gustave

At their feet were countless bluebells, overhead the blue sky, while across and beyond the valley rose the mountain capped by white clouds that looked as soft as swan's-down.

From Dorothy Dainty at the Mountains by Brooks, Amy

Kaposia's village, clustered on the shore, With sound of snapping poles and tipis riven, Vanished like swan's-down by a tempest driven.

From Indian Legends of Minnesota by Severance, Cordenio A., Mrs.