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

Nainsook, nān′sōōk, n. a kind of muslin like jaconet, both plain and striped.

From Project Gutenberg

I should get them to do it for me on soft fine nainsook, and make a speciality of summer morning gowns and children's frocks.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

At last she threw herself down and lay at full-length on the soft, short grass, in which there was no dampness, for a terrible pall of heat had lain all day upon Natal, and through the thin nainsook of her gown Poppy could feel the warmth still in the earth.

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