Cretonnes

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A type of fabric with a rough texture often used for upholstery or drapery, typically made from cotton or a cotton blend
2. It is characterized by a durable quality that makes it suitable for covering furniture and crafting various household items
3. A textile known for its robustness and textured surface, commonly employed in interior decor and home furnishings

Etymology: Cretonne is a French name for a fabric, and the place it is named after is Creton, a small town in Normandy. The French word "cretonne" passed into English as the name for a plain, strong cloth, typically cotton or linen, woven with a slightly textured surface. It is the plural of that noun, so "cretonnes" refers to several bolts or pieces of the fabric, or to the fabric in general. Because the cloth was sturdy and easy to clean, it became a favourite for curtains, upholstery and loose covers, which is why the word is now mostly heard in discussions of interior furnishing. The English noun kept the French spelling and pronunciation, a sign that it arrived as a borrowed trade name rather than something remade in English.