dowlas

[ dou-luhs ]

noun

1. a coarse linen or cotton cloth.

Word History and Origins

Origin of dowlas¹

1485–95; after Daoulas in Brittany; replacing late Middle English douglas, popular substitution for dowlas

Example Sentences

Cate is bringing to her bridegroom more than had been looked for—dowlas sheets and blankets, spun and woven under their own cottage roof, and a good flock bed and pillows from the same source.

From Project Gutenberg

Fame may be all very well in its way, but it butters no parsnips; and, if I am to be famous, I would much rather case my renown in fine linen than in filthy dowlas.

From Project Gutenberg

Dowlas, dowlas, n. a coarse linen cloth.

From Project Gutenberg

The list of clothing might include a coat of frieze, a pair of leather breeches, a black hat, or cap of fur, a pair of "wooden heel shoes," and underclothes of dowlas and lockram.

From Project Gutenberg

Dowlas, a kind of coarse linen formerly much used by working people for shirts; this use of it is now generally superseded by calico.—Cf.

From Project Gutenberg