ˈthree-ˈpile, a. (n.)
[See pile n.5 2.]
Applied to velvet in which the loops of the pile-warp (which constitutes the nap) are formed by three threads, producing a pile of treble thickness; so of carpets; also absol. or as n. = three-pile velvet.
| [1603 Shakes. Meas. for M. iv. iii. 11 Master Three-Pile the Mercer.] 1607 Dekker Westw. Hoe i. i. Wks. 1873 II. 283 My..maister hath sent you a veluet gowne heare:..three pile. 1611 Shakes. Wint. T. iv. iii. 14, I haue seru'd Prince Florizell, and in my time wore three pile. 1827 Hare Guesses Ser. i. (1847) 1 A cloak should be of three-pile, to keep its gloss in wear. 1844 Willis Lady Jane i. 208 This delicate alarum is worth while, More 'specially with carpets of three-pile. |