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Swiss muslin

American  

noun

  1. a crisp, sheer muslin that is constructed in plain weave, bleached white or dyed, and often ornamented with raised dots or figures dotted swiss, used chiefly in the manufacture of curtains and women's summer clothes.


swiss muslin British  

noun

  1. a fine muslin dress fabric, usually having a raised or woven pattern of dolls or figures

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of Swiss muslin

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Over their bodices all three wore sheer spencers of embroidered Swiss muslin, with embroidered ruffles below the waist line.

From The Storm Centre by Murfree, Mary Noailles

The Swiss muslin costs about twelve cents a yard, the cheese cloth about five.

From A Treatise on Etching by Lalanne, Maxime

Dotted or plain Swiss muslin was the favorite garb, though there were those who were steaming in white cashmere or alpaca, because in some cases such frocks were thought more useful afterwards.

From Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm by Wiggin, Kate Douglas Smith

I should put Swiss muslin, either perfectly plain or dotted or with a fine cross-bar, whichever you like best.

From Ethel Morton at Sweetbriar Lodge by Smith, Mabell S. C. (Mabell Shippie Clarke)

"That's one of the prettiest pieces of Swiss muslin I ever saw," said she.

From The Twenty-Fourth of June by Richmond, Grace S. (Grace Smith)