swansdown

[ swonz-doun ]

noun

1. the down or under plumage of a swan, used for trimming, powder puffs, etc.
2. a fine, soft, thick woolen cloth.
3. a sturdy cotton flannel with a thickly napped face.

Word History and Origins

Origin of swansdown¹

First recorded in 1600–10; swan ¹ + 's ¹ + down ²

Example Sentences

Although the month was September, and the weather warm even for September, a swansdown quilt lay spread upon his knees.

From Project Gutenberg

Edward Henry leaped from his chair, and the swansdown quilt swathed his slippered feet.

From Project Gutenberg

I am like the man in Browning who mourned over the spots upon his ‘speckled hide,’ but rejoiced in the swansdown of his lady.

From Project Gutenberg

Roberta's scarlet hood, edged with swansdown, was pushed back, and her hair lay in fluffy golden rings on her white forehead.

From Project Gutenberg

Her shoulders were negligently clad in a satin wrap trimmed with swansdown, held in place by a loosely tied knot of silk.

From Project Gutenberg