Brocatels

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A term referring to richly patterned, luxurious fabrics often woven with gold or silver threads used in elegant clothing and upholstery; a textile known for its raised, elaborate designs and heavy texture; an ornate material prized for decorative purposes in fashion and interior design
2. Fabric characterized by opulent, intricate brocade work featuring metallic threads and elaborate motifs used in garments and furnishings; a sumptuous textile displaying a raised design typically made by weaving different colored threads; a fine cloth favored for its decorative and textured qualities in high-end apparel and home decor
3. A richly decorated textile known for its complex woven patterns incorporating shiny metallic strands, commonly used in formal dresses and fancy upholstery; a heavy cloth with an embossed ornamental design often featuring gold or silver threads; a luxurious fabric celebrated for its detailed and textured surface used in decorative arts and fashion

Etymology: "Brocatels" is simply the plural of "brocatel," so it names more than one piece of the fabric. The singular "brocatel" is a borrowing from French "brocatelle," itself derived from Italian "broccatello," a diminutive of "broccato," meaning brocade. The Italian root refers to embroidered or raised-pattern silk, the same tradition that gave English its word "brocade." Because "brocatel" denotes a lighter, more compact variant of that heavy patterned cloth, the diminutive ending in Italian and French tells you its scale was smaller than brocade itself.

Synonyms: brocades, fabrics, silks