bourette

noun

bou·​rette

büˈret,

bəˈ

variants or less commonly bourrette

plural -s

1

: an irregular slubbed yarn made usually of silk waste

2

: a plain-woven fabric that has a rough uneven appearance and is made from bourette yarn

Word History

Etymology

French bourrette coarse silk on the outside of a cocoon, from Middle French, from bourre (silk) waste, padding (from Late Latin burra shaggy cloth) + -ette

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!