Grograms

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A type of coarse fabric made from silk, mohair, or other fibers, often used for producing garments or decorative items
2. A heavy textile traditionally woven from natural materials, characterized by its durability and varied texture
3. A strong and robust fabric that can be used in clothing and upholstery, known for its distinctive feel and appearance

Etymology: "Grogram" is the plural of "grogram", so the word here is the fabric itself, but it has a second life in a hat. Its name comes from French "gros-grain", meaning "coarse grain", built from "gros" ("coarse") and "grain" ("grain"). English later borrowed the same French phrase again as "grosgrain", so the two words are doublets, one older and one later, that trace back to the same French source. The fabric was a mixture, typically of silk with mohair or wool, giving it its strong, ribbed texture. The name has also stuck to an unrelated object: a Panama hat with a grosgrain band is also called a grogram.

Synonyms: coarse silks, stiff fabrics