wigan

¹

[ wig-uhn ]

noun

1. a stiff, canvaslike fabric for stiffening parts of garments.

Wigan

²

[ wig-uhn ]

noun

1. borough of Greater Manchester, in W England.

Wigan

/ ˈwɪɡən /

noun

1. an industrial town in NW England, in Wigan unitary authority, Greater Manchester: former coal-mining centre. Pop: 81 203 (2001)
2. a unitary authority in NW England, in Greater Manchester. Pop: 303 800 (2003 est). Area: 199 sq km (77 sq miles)

Word History and Origins

Origin of wigan¹

1870–75; after Wigan, where originally produced

Example Sentences

The very appellation of Wigan is a standing memorial of more than one battle at that place.

From Project Gutenberg

Hollingworth, indeed, does afterwards refer to a battle near Wigan, in which he says Arthur was victorious.

From Project Gutenberg

The chief royalist garrisons were established at Warrington, Wigan and Preston.

From Project Gutenberg

One Parliamentarian writer estimates the amount of plunder taken in Wigan at 20,000.

From Project Gutenberg

Wigan (thought impregnable) proved easy; Warrington (thought easy) proved now impregnable.

From Project Gutenberg