Swanskin

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A durable, tightly woven fabric made from cotton or wool, typically used for workwear and characterized by a soft, smooth surface resembling the texture of a swan's feathers
2. A heavy-duty cloth material crafted from dense cotton or wool fibers, known for its smooth finish and toughness, often employed in making sturdy garments or upholstery
3. A robust textile composed of closely woven natural fibers, recognized for its silky touch and resilience, commonly fashioned into practical clothing or protective coverings

Etymology: Swanskin is a compound of "swan" and "skin," but the cloth it names has nothing to do with the bird's plumage. The name refers to the fabric's soft, downy surface, which was prized for its warmth and smoothness. Its appeal lay in how it felt against the body rather than in any resemblance to a swan. The word is built from two plain English elements, with "swan" describing the cloth's whiteness and softness and "skin" describing the surface itself. Because the material was valued for a fine, smooth finish, the name borrowed the image of the bird's pale, feathered down. The cloth was durable as well as soft, which explains why it was used for garments meant to last.

Synonyms: cotton flannel, soft fabric