‖ chenille
(ʃɪˈniːl)
Also 8 cheneil.
[a. F. chenille in same sense, lit. hairy caterpillar (= Pr. canilha):—L. canicula little dog (from its hairy appearance).]
A kind of velvety cord, having short threads or fibres of silk and wool standing out at right angles from a core of thread or wire, like the hairs of a caterpillar; used in trimming and bordering dresses and furniture. Also attrib., as in chenille-work, chenille-carpet, chenille-machine.
| 1738–9 Mrs. Pendarves in Mrs. Delany's Corr. 28 Lady Huntingdon's..petticoat was black velvet embroidered with chenille. Ibid. 424 To work a cheneil manteil for me. Ibid. Ser. ii. (1862) I. 167, I desire you will pack up my chenilles ready for me. 1842 L. S. Costello Pilgr. Auvergne II. 158 This hat is..edged with velvet or chenille. 1863 Sat. Rev. 7 Feb. 176/2 The old process of making chenille by hand began by loosely throwing a woof of silk across a warp of thread or wire. 1884 Pall Mall G. 8 Apr. 4/2 The chenille outline embroidery is frequently seen on shot silk skirts. |