Brocatelles

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Referring to fabrics made with a rich, embossed pattern often resembling brocade; describing a textile characterized by elaborate raised designs typically woven with intricate threadwork; pertaining to cloth featuring thick, luxurious patterns that appear embossed and are similar to traditional decorative brocade styles
2. Denoting a type of heavy fabric with pronounced ornamental weaving; identifying cloth that shows raised, textured floral or geometric motifs created through weaving processes; relating to textiles combining durability with ornamental raised patterns usually applied in upholstery or formal garments
3. Indicating fabric that is distinguished by its embossed or raised woven patterns often used in elegant or upholstery contexts; describing materials crafted with thick decorative designs that stand out from the base cloth; referring to richly textured textiles resembling brocades in quality and appearance used for decorative purposes

Etymology: Brocatelle is a plural-friendly noun, so "brocatelles" is simply the plural form, referring to several pieces or kinds of this figured fabric. The singular came into English from French, where "brocatelle" named a heavy silk or linen cloth with a raised, embossed pattern. Its ultimate roots lie in the Italian "broccato," the word behind English "brocade," which itself descends from the Italian verb "broccare," meaning to prick or stud, a fitting image for a fabric whose design stands up from the ground weave.

Synonyms: brocades, fabrics