eiderdown

[ ahy-der-doun ]

noun

1. down, or soft feathers, from the breast of the female eider duck.
2. a heavy quilt or comforter, especially one filled with eiderdown.
3. a warm, lightweight knitted or woven fabric of wool, cotton, or man-made fibers, napped on one or both sides, used for sleepwear, infants' clothing, etc.

eiderdown

/ ˈaɪdəˌdaʊn /

noun

1. the breast down of the female eider duck, with which it lines the nest, used for stuffing pillows, quilts, etc
2. a thick warm cover for a bed, made of two layers of material enclosing a soft filling
3. a warm cotton fabric having a woollen nap

Word History and Origins

Origin of eiderdown¹

First recorded in 1765–75; eider + down ²

Example Sentences

And as she snuggled comfortably beneath the eiderdown a sense of restfulness invaded her, such as she had not known before.

From Project Gutenberg

The soft easy chaff bed gave her more of rest and satisfaction than if it had been eiderdown.

From Project Gutenberg

The eiderdown sleeping-bags were a great comfort; they were our only means of keeping thoroughly warm with 34 of frost outside.

From Project Gutenberg

It was really too cold to ride in these open kurumas, even with two rugs and an eiderdown.

From Project Gutenberg

When completed I feel sure you will be pleased with the look of your new eiderdown.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bed linen
• bedspread
• blanket
• comforter
• linen
• pillow
• pillowcase
• quilt
• sheet