schiffli

noun

schiff·​li

ˈshiflē

plural -s

: a complex power machine for working embroidery designs and lace patterns on textiles

schiffli embroidery

Word History

Etymology

German dialect (Swiss), literally, small ship, diminutive of German schiff ship, from Old High German skif; probably from the shape of its shuttles

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!