percaline

[ pur-kuh-leen ]

noun

1. a fine, lightweight cotton fabric, usually finished with a gloss and dyed in one color, used especially for linings.

percaline

/ ˈpɜːkəˌliːn; -lɪn /

noun

1. a fine light cotton fabric, used esp for linings

Word History and Origins

Origin of percaline¹

From French, dating back to 1855–60; percale, -ine ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of percaline¹

C19: from French; see percale

Example Sentences

Madame Bastien wore a simple dress of pale blue and white striped percaline; a broad pink ribbon encircled her slender, supple waist, which a man could have easily spanned with his two hands.

From Project Gutenberg

“I’m not, mother; only think”—Nancy’s eyes glistened—“no more velveteen masquerading as velvet, no more bargain-counter shoes and gloves, no more percaline petticoats with silk flounces, no more plain dresses because shirring and tucking take a few more yards; no more summers spent in close, cooped-up hall bedrooms in twelve-dollar-a-week hotels; grape-fruit every morning, and cream always!”

From Project Gutenberg

"You needn't tease me about that, for you know as well as anything that I meant percaline."

From Project Gutenberg

Percaline is used chiefly for feminine wearing apparel, principally for linings, petticoats, etc.

From Project Gutenberg

Percaline is a highly finished and dressed percale.

From Project Gutenberg