nainsook

[ neyn-sook, nan- ]

noun

1. a fine, soft-finished cotton fabric, usually white, used for lingerie and infants' wear.

nainsook

/ ˈneɪnsʊk; ˈnæn- /

noun

1. a light soft plain-weave cotton fabric, used esp for babies' wear

Word History and Origins

Origin of nainsook¹

1780–90; < Urdu, Hindi nainsukh, equivalent to nain the eye + sukh pleasure

Word History and Origins

Origin of nainsook¹

C19: from Hindi nainsukh, literally: delight to the eye, from nain eye + sukh delight, from Sanskrit sukha

Example Sentences

So I just bought some beautiful, fine nainsook and cut out my shroud.

From Project Gutenberg

Miss Pinky Davis, our country sempstress, was sent for, and again Cousin Sue spent hours planning how best to cut up and trim the bolts of nainsook she had ordered from Richmond.

From Project Gutenberg

And Cousin Sue sent for a bolt of nainsook and yards and yards of lace and insertion and made up a whole lot of pretty underclothes for me.

From Project Gutenberg

All that summer her quick fingers were busy with fine white flannel and finer white nainsook, setting tiny stitches in small garments.

From Project Gutenberg

Nina’s gown was of white nainsook ruffled to the waist with lace, and very full.

From Project Gutenberg