ˈneedlework
Also 6 neilde-.
[f. needle n. 1. Cf. G. nadelwerk, Du. naaldenwerk.]
1. Work done with the needle; sewing, embroidery, or fancy work.
| 1382 Wyclif Exod. xxvi. 1 Ten curteyns..dyuersid with nedle werk, thow shalt make. 1466–7 Abingdon Rolls (Camden) 134, ij paroll' de nedylworke. 1534 in Peacock Eng. Ch. Furniture (1866) 194 Enclosid in a purse of neilde werk. 1555 Eden Decades 103 A fair sherte wrought with needle woorke. 1615 Band, Ruffe, & Cuffe (Halliwell) 11, I scorn to make anything of thee, Band, but needle-worke. 1697 Dryden æneid xi. 1142 With Flowers of Needlework distinguished o're. 1753 Hogarth Anal. Beauty xii. 97 There is a sort of needle-work called Irish-stitch. 1784 Cowper Task i. 34 A splendid cover..of tapestry richly wrought..or needlework sublime. 1848 Lytton Harold i. i, The industry of the women decorated wall and furniture with needlework and hangings. 1865 Dickens Mut. Fr. i. iii, A girl sat engaged in needlework. |
| attrib. 1686 tr. Chardin's Trav. Persia 262 Embroider'd Handkerchers, Toylets, Needlework Night-Caps. |
† b. pl. Different pieces or kinds of this work.
| 1585 T. Washington tr. Nicholay's Voy. iv. xiv. 128 Making of diuers faire needleworks vpon cloth. 1621 Burton Anat. Mel. ii. ii. iv. (1651) 286 Women..have curious needle-works, Cut-works, spinning. 1673 Lady's Call. ii. i. §9 Writing, needle-works, languages, music, or the like. 1748 Richardson Clarissa (1811) VIII. 336 Her skill in almost all sorts of fine needle-works. |
2. Wooden frame-work in house-building.
rare.
| 1686 Plot Staffordsh. 173 Plaister for floors, seelings, and the walls of Needle-work houses. 1849 Weale Dict. Terms. |
So
ˈneedleworker, a worker with the needle.
| 1611 Bible Exod. xxxvi. 37 marg., The work of a needle⁓worker, or embroiderer. 1753 Hogarth Anal. Beauty xii. 97 The nicest needle-workers are taught to weave it into every flower and leaf. 1865 Chr. Remembrancer Apr. 347 More fixity of purpose than the lower class of needle⁓workers are equal to. 1898 Woman's Signal 23 June 387/1 Governesses, needleworkers, or secretaries. |