Moleskins

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A cloth characterized by its soft texture resembling suede, frequently utilized in apparel such as trousers and jackets for its warmth and comfort
2. This fabric, often composed of cotton, features a unique weaving method that gives it a velvety finish, making it popular for outerwear
3. A type of fabric made from cotton, known for its soft, felt-like surface and durability, commonly used in making pants and jackets

Etymology: The plural "moleskins" is simply the form of "moleskin," so the story belongs to that base word. "Moleskin" is a compound of "mole," the small burrowing mammal, and "skin." The name comes from the fabric's soft, dense nap, which was compared to the fur of the animal. Cotton moleskin is a heavy, tightly woven cloth whose face is brushed or napped to a velvety finish, and that is what gives it the felt-like feel. The word is a plain descriptive compound rather than a coined name, so its interest lies mostly in the image it carries: a fabric named after the pelt of a small animal, a choice that tells you how readily English speakers linked a material's texture to a familiar creature. The plural simply applies to garments or several pieces made from the cloth, as in a pair of trousers or several jackets.

Synonyms: corduroys