crinoline

[ krin-l-in ]

noun

1. a petticoat of haircloth or other stiff material, worn under a full skirt to keep it belled out.
2. a stiff, coarse cotton material for interlining.
3. a hoop skirt.
4. a reinforcement of iron straps for holding together brickwork, as of a furnace or chimney.

crinoline

/ ˈkrɪnəlɪn /

noun

1. a stiff fabric, originally of horsehair and linen used in lining garments
2. a petticoat stiffened with this, worn to distend skirts, esp in the mid-19th century
3. a framework of steel hoops worn for the same purpose

Word History and Origins

Origin of crinoline¹

1820–30; < French < Italian crinolino, equivalent to crino horse-hair (≪ Latin crīnis hair) + lino flax < Latin līnum; linen

Word History and Origins

Origin of crinoline¹

C19: from French, from Italian crinolino, from crino horsehair, from Latin crīnis hair + lino flax, from Latin līnum

Example Sentences

Tattoos disappeared under rose pink frills, corsets were tightened, crinolines were adjusted and propped, pearls shone on their necks and ears.

From Los Angeles Times

The bustle of one dress was made of rolls of crinoline that resemble a judge’s wig or a lobster tail.

From Seattle Times

She styled the tailored look with a headpiece featuring a crinoline base with a layer of tulle and merry widow veiling, adorned with a ribbon bow.

From Washington Times

She styled the tailored look with a headpiece featuring a crinoline base with a layer of tulle and merry widow veiling, adorned with a Petersham ribbon bow.

From Seattle Times

Jean Milton Ellis, the sixth woman to wear it, added a crinoline to “give it a little boost” and avoid modifying the hem.

From Seattle Times