prunella

American  

[proo-nel-uh] / pruˈnɛl ə /

Also prunello

noun

1. a strong, lightweight worsted constructed in a twill weave, used in the manufacture of women's and children's apparel.

2. a smooth-faced fabric made of mixed fibers or wool, formerly used in the manufacture of women's dresses and of robes for clerics, scholars, and lawyers.

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prunella ¹ British  

/ pruːˈnɛlə, pruːˈnɛləʊ, pruːˈnɛl /

noun

1. a strong fabric, esp a twill-weave worsted, used for gowns and the uppers of some shoes

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prunella ² British  

/ pruːˈnɛlə /

noun

1. See selfheal

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Etymology

Origin of prunella

1650–60; perhaps special use of prunelle, from the dark color of the cloth

Example Sentences

Saltpetre – sometimes called sal prunella – has been used in some recipes for salted meats since ancient times.

From The Guardian • Mar. 1, 2018

When Edna knocked at Mademoiselle Reisz’s front room door and entered, she discovered that person standing beside the window, engaged in mending or patching an old prunella gaiter.

From "The Awakening" by Kate Chopin

He said he would not, at present, allow for expenditure on any dresses of fine stuffs, but rather recommended she brood on worsted and prunella twill.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume I: The Pox Party" by M.T. Anderson

One pound of bay salt, half a pound of saltpetre, two ounces of sal prunella, two pounds of coarse sugar; make your brine strong enough with common salt to float an egg.

From The Lady's Own Cookery Book, and New Dinner-Table Directory; In Which will Be Found a Large Collection of Original Receipts. 3rd ed. by Bury, Charlotte Campbell, Lady

That is enough for them; their wits are only fitted to deal with "leather and prunella."

From The International Monthly, Vol. II, No. I December 1, 1850 by Various