piece goods

American  

plural noun

1. goods, especially fabrics, sold at retail by linear measure.

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piece goods British  

plural noun

1. Also called: yard goods.  goods, esp fabrics, made in standard widths and lengths

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Etymology

Origin of piece goods

First recorded in 1655–65

Example Sentences

They drained off food supplies, created inflation by "military yen," adjusted exports to Japan of food and war supplies in exchange for paper, piece goods and children's toys.

From Time Magazine Archive

In Thailand, Japanese cotton piece goods had been virtually driven from the market by Chinese prices, which were as much as 15% lower.

From Time Magazine Archive

Japan, during Depression, secured virtually the whole of Ethiopia's import business in cotton piece goods, while Italians were supplying Haile Selassie with a powerful radio station at cut rates.

From Time Magazine Archive

Boldly the supervisor ordered seized vast quantities of smuggled Japanese and Korean imports, which include rice, bean-cake, bean-oil, cotton piece goods, sugar and cement.

From Time Magazine Archive

Ladies were already picking through patterns and piece goods, planning their Easter dresses.

From "Cold Sassy Tree" by Olive Ann Burns