challis

or chal·lie, chal·ly

[ shal-ee ]

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.

challis

/ -lɪs; ˈʃælɪ; ˈʃælɪ /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of challis¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of challis¹

C19: probably from 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

It’s like a fine wool challis, with huge squares of red, orange, indigo, green.

From New York Times

The bride is generally arrayed in white: if they can raise sufficient cash, white silk, satin, or figured “challis” is the material; but if the funds are rather low, white muslin suffices them.

From Project Gutenberg

Offered in light materials like summer challis and jersey, and in a crazy quilt of prints, they are being positioned, as Ms. Roberts pointed out, to catch the eye of younger shoppers.

From New York Times

An' Monkey send a challis to Annancy an' tell him that if him cut the card again an' find him in the card he going to give him a terrible flogging.

From Project Gutenberg