worsted

[ woos-tid, wur-stid ]

noun

1. firmly twisted yarn or thread spun from combed, stapled wool fibers of the same length, for weaving, knitting, etc. Compare woolen.
2. wool cloth woven from such yarns, having a hard, smooth surface and no nap.

adjective

1. consisting or made of worsted.

worsted

/ ˈwʊstɪd /

noun

1. a closely twisted yarn or thread made from combed long-staple wool
2. a fabric made from this, with a hard smooth close-textured surface and no nap
3. modifier made of this yarn or fabric

   a worsted suit

Other Words From

• half-worsted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of worsted¹

1250–1300; Middle English worsted ( e ), special use of Worstede Worstead ( Old English Wurthestede ), name of parish in Norfolk, England, where the cloth was made

Word History and Origins

Origin of worsted¹

C13: named after Worstead, a district in Norfolk

Example Sentences

For the shortness of the sleeves he partly compensated with a pair of bright red worsted wristers.

From Project Gutenberg

Knitted veils in black silk or worsted are also worn by grown-up persons.

From Project Gutenberg

At last the corps to which he belonged was worsted, and in the confusion of retreat the trumpeter was mortally wounded.

From Project Gutenberg

At Deerfield there was a battle in which the Indians were worsted, then a second trial of strength in which the town was burnt.

From Project Gutenberg

In Prussia the same momentous point is being tried with every chance of the sacerdotal party being worsted.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• cashmere
• fleece
• fur
• hair
• mohair
• tweed
• yarn