swansdown

American  

[swonz-doun] / ˈswɒnzˌdaʊn /

noun

1. the down or under plumage of a swan, used for trimming, powder puffs, etc.

2. a fine, soft, thick woolen cloth.

3. a sturdy cotton flannel with a thickly napped face.

---

Etymology

Origin of swansdown

First recorded in 1600–10; swan ¹ + 's ¹ + down ²

Example Sentences

Interlude The saxophone wails, the martini glass is drained, and night like black swansdown settles on the city.

From Slate • Apr. 6, 2013

For an act and a half, I Married An Angel pins all its hopes on being fluffy, fleecy, feathery swansdown.

From Time Magazine Archive

Romance, in high-fashion terminology, means marabou feathers and encrusted chiffon, sumptuous embroidery and lacy swansdown, and involves moonlight only as an adjective for blue and roses only if they bloom on fabrics instead of bushes.

From Time Magazine Archive

When Andy took to his bed for the last time, the boys bought him a genuine swansdown pillow that cost seven dollars.

From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith

Even the little one lingers at the edge, holding swansdown puffs, ready to spray Sophia with a perfume atomizer.

From "The Belles" by Dhonielle Clayton