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

She is said to have been very beautiful, even in old age, when her hair, Alphonse Daudet tells us, was as white as swan's-down.

From Home Life of Great Authors by Griswold, Hattie Tyng

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

Mrs Wallace looked almost like a girl herself in her becoming hat and veil, while the golden-haired child wore a white coat and cap edged with fluffy swan’s-down.

From More about Pixie by Groome, William H. C.

But when they came to ask the Princess, she said, "I will have only a dress of beaten gold, light as gossamer, thin as bee's-wing, soft as swan's-down."

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