prunella

American  

[proo-nel-uh] / pruˈnɛl ə /

Also prunello

noun

1. a strong, lightweight worsted constructed in a twill weave, used in the manufacture of women's and children's apparel.

2. a smooth-faced fabric made of mixed fibers or wool, formerly used in the manufacture of women's dresses and of robes for clerics, scholars, and lawyers.

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prunella ¹ British  

/ pruːˈnɛlə, pruːˈnɛləʊ, pruːˈnɛl /

noun

1. a strong fabric, esp a twill-weave worsted, used for gowns and the uppers of some shoes

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prunella ² British  

/ pruːˈnɛlə /

noun

1. See selfheal

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Etymology

Origin of prunella

1650–60; perhaps special use of prunelle, from the dark color of the cloth

Example Sentences

Saltpetre – sometimes called sal prunella – has been used in some recipes for salted meats since ancient times.

From The Guardian • Mar. 1, 2018

He said he would not, at present, allow for expenditure on any dresses of fine stuffs, but rather recommended she brood on worsted and prunella twill.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume I: The Pox Party" by M.T. Anderson

When Edna knocked at Mademoiselle Reisz’s front room door and entered, she discovered that person standing beside the window, engaged in mending or patching an old prunella gaiter.

From "The Awakening" by Kate Chopin

Mix half a pound of salt, three ounces of saltpetre, half an ounce of sal prunella, and five pounds of coarse sugar.

From The Cook and Housekeeper's Complete and Universal Dictionary; Including a System of Modern Cookery, in all Its Various Branches, Adapted to the Use of Private Families by Eaton, Mary, fl. 1823-1849

It was leather and prunella, that, from first to last.

From The Life of Cicero Volume II. by Trollope, Anthony