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

Coaches passed us, too, rolling towards the fortress, and through the glass windows we caught glimpses of ladies in cloaks of swan's-down, with their plumes and jewels shining in the rays of the coach-lamps.

From Cardigan by Chambers, Robert W. (Robert William)

The big pipe was on forked sticks in front of the chief, and under it they had sprinkled swan’s-down, and they all were dressed up to their limit.

From The Young Alaskans on the Missouri by Hough, Emerson

Why an ermine a year old should have a coat like sulphur and another of the same age a coat like swan's-down, neither trapper nor scientist has yet discovered.

From The Story of the Trapper by Laut, A. C.

So the dress was a perfect pearl, light as gossamer, thin as bee's-wing, soft as swan's-down; and the King made Gammelyn his chief jeweller, and set all the other jewellers free.

From Moonshine & Clover by Housman, Laurence

The snow was only two or three inches deep when Caius walked home; it was light as plucked swan's-down about his feet.

From The Mermaid A Love Tale by Dougall, Lily