rough-dry

or rough·dry

[ ruhf-drahy ]

verb (used with object)

, rough-dried, rough-dry·ing.

1. to dry (laundry) after washing, without smoothing, ironing, etc.

adjective

1. (of laundered clothes, sheets, etc.) dried but not ironed.

rough-dry

adjective

1. (of clothes or linen) dried ready for pressing

verb

1. tr to dry (clothes or linen) without smoothing or pressing

Word History and Origins

Origin of rough-dry¹

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

Judy gathered up the stiff, rough-dry garments that had been hanging on the heater all night, while Molly found tossed in a corner the mate to the fatal slipper.

From Project Gutenberg

So she had determined to use her bed-linen and underclothing rough-dry.

From Project Gutenberg

It is advisable, too, to put not-to-be-used damask away rough-dry, otherwise it may crack, in the folds.

From Project Gutenberg

A sideboard spread in pressed glass; a chest of drawers piled high with rough-dry family wash; a coal-range, and the smell and sound of simmering.

From Project Gutenberg

She insisted on having every piece that moment—clean or dirty, ironed or rough-dry.

From Project Gutenberg