balbriggan

[ bal-brig-uhn ]

noun

1. a plain-knit cotton fabric, used especially in hosiery and underwear.

balbriggan

/ bælˈbrɪɡən /

noun

1. a knitted unbleached cotton fabric
2. often plural underwear made of this

Word History and Origins

Origin of balbriggan¹

First recorded in 1855–60; after Balbriggan, town in Ireland, where first made

Word History and Origins

Origin of balbriggan¹

C19: from Balbriggan , Ireland, where it was originally made

Example Sentences

Then, in all the glory of his brown balbriggan undershirt, he stood up in the aisle.

From Project Gutenberg

Six changes of underwear—merino or wool—and a dozen balbriggan or woolen hose will be sufficient.

From Project Gutenberg

Egyptian cotton is very fine and is used mainly in the manufacture of thread and the finer grades of balbriggan underwear.

From Project Gutenberg

But fancy the shock to one’s æstheticism at seeing coarse balbriggan allied to barbaric splendour.

From Project Gutenberg

She steps over the stile and her shin defines itself through her balbriggan stocking.

From Project Gutenberg