lisle thread

noun

1. a fine, high-twisted and hard-twisted cotton thread, at least two-ply, used for hosiery, gloves, etc.

Word History and Origins

Origin of lisle thread¹

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

There hadn't been a better one there, and she had silk stockings while most of the girls had clumsy cotton ones, or at best lisle thread.

From Project Gutenberg

For instance, already since I had had my own new things I felt that I could never bear to go back to lisle thread or cashmere stockings again.

From Project Gutenberg

Her ankles were covered with lisle thread hose, not homespun cotton, like she wore when Wade first saw her.

From Project Gutenberg

If she tried to mend it herself she would only make a mess of it—besides she hadn't any lisle thread or needles.

From Project Gutenberg

Maybe she's some less'n seven feet in her lisle threads, but she looks every inch of it; and when it comes to curves, she has Lillian Russell pared to a lamp post.

From Project Gutenberg