broadcloth

American  

[brawd-klawth, -kloth] / ˈbrɔdˌklɔθ, -ˌklɒθ /

noun

Textiles.

1. a closely woven dress-goods fabric of cotton, rayon, silk, or a mixture of these fibers, having a soft, mercerized finish and resembling poplin.

2. a woolen or worsted fabric constructed in a plain or twill weave, having a compact texture and lustrous finish.

3. any fabric woven on a wide loom.

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broadcloth British  

/ ˈbrɔːdˌklɒθ /

noun

1. fabric woven on a wide loom

2. a closely woven fabric of wool, worsted, cotton, or rayon with lustrous finish, used for clothing

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Etymology

Origin of broadcloth

First recorded in 1400–50, broadcloth is from late Middle English brode clothe. See broad, cloth

Compare meaning

How does broadcloth compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• broadcloth vs. poplin

Example Sentences

In late April, one of those walnut coffins, covered in black broadcloth, will lie in state in Peekskill’s depot, with Civil War re-enactors standing sentry.

From Washington Times • Apr. 11, 2015

George Washington was so leery of seeming to be like a king that he wore a plain brown broadcloth suit to his first inauguration.

From Washington Post • Dec. 16, 2014

His rigidly erect bearing and weather- beaten face added to the impression, as did his deacon-fighter attire: high-collared white shirt, brown broadcloth suit and gray military-style cape.

From BusinessWeek • Oct. 19, 2011

Take the bid specs that Georgia recently issued for broadcloth, explicitly asking for “domestic goods,” Ms. Corey noted.

From New York Times • Jan. 15, 2010

As he lifted his hand to knock he heard steps, so he withheld his hand until a big man in black broadcloth trousers and a stiff bosomed white shirt without collar opened the door.

From "The Sound and the Fury" by William Faulkner