challis

American  

[shal-ee] / ˈʃæl i /

Or challie,

noun

1. a soft fabric of plain weave in wool, cotton, rayon, or other staple fiber, either in a solid color or, more often, a small print.

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challis British  

/ -lɪs, ˈʃælɪ, ˈʃælɪ /

noun

1. a lightweight plain-weave fabric of wool, cotton, etc, usually with a printed design

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Etymology

Origin of challis

First recorded in 1840–50; perhaps after Challis, a surname

Example Sentences

The beautiful Roman challis is made of glass impregnated with microscopic particles of silver and gold, which make it appear to change colour from green to red when held up to the light.

From BBC • Dec. 31, 2013

Greta Garbo, Gary Cooper and Harry Truman also wore the Tilletts’ creations, and the American sportswear designer Claire McCardell chose for a dress a wool challis they did for Milliken, the textiles giant.

From New York Times • Oct. 12, 2012

Those without fur collars were finished off with a fringed wool challis square folded in a triangle around the neck.

From Time Magazine Archive

"I'm going to sell little baby bouquets," announced Shirley, who looked like a "baby bouquet" herself in a pink challis frock.

From Rosemary by Lawrence, Josephine

Then she rubbed them on carefully, holding up her challis skirts under one arm.

From The Portion of Labor by Freeman, Mary Eleanor Wilkins