tussah

or tus·seh

[ tuhs-uh ]

noun

1. a tan silk from India. Compare Shantung ( def 2a ).
2. the silkworm of an oriental moth of the genus Antheraea, as A. mylitta, that produces this silk.

Word History and Origins

Origin of tussah¹

1580–90; earlier tusser < Hindi tasar shuttle < Sanskrit tasara, trasara kind of silkworm

Example Sentences

It specializes in neckwear — cashmere, tussah, knitted silk and more — and pocket squares and scarves in extravagant prints, and has expanded in recent years into something approaching a full-service clothing line.

From New York Times

There are others, however, and from some of these tussah silk, Yamamai, and Shantung pongee are woven.

From Project Gutenberg

The tussah, or wild silks, remain an écru color.

From Project Gutenberg

This is then covered with two layers of tussah silk, laid in reverse wrappings, then there is a heavy cotton braid, and over the latter a linen braid.

From Project Gutenberg

Over this is placed one braid of tussah silk and an outer braid of cotton.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• fiber
• taffeta
• thread
• tulle