whipcord

[ hwip-kawrd, wip- ]

noun

1. a cotton, woolen, or worsted fabric with a steep, diagonally ribbed surface.
2. a strong, hard-twisted cord, sometimes used for the lashes of whips.
3. a cord made from the intestines of animals; catgut.

whipcord

/ ˈwɪpˌkɔːd /

noun

1. a strong worsted or cotton fabric with a diagonally ribbed surface
2. a closely twisted hard cord used for the lashes of whips, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of whipcord¹

First recorded in 1275–1325, whipcord is from the Middle English word wyppe-cord. See whip, cord

Example Sentences

He was a tall, rather good-looking young fellow, all wire and whipcord, with a chronically whimsical expression.

From Project Gutenberg

I was unused to oaths at that time and they cut me like whipcord, but all the same my pulse was bounding joyfully.

From Project Gutenberg

Covert—A twill-woven cloth sometimes with full face, sometimes sheared to imitate whipcord.

From Project Gutenberg

The sailors, holding her wrists, could feel the whipcord tension of her muscles.

From Project Gutenberg

A keen, sparely built man made of leather and whipcord, with the Australian's shrewd blue eyes.

From Project Gutenberg