Bombazeen

/ˌbɒmbəˈziːn/ noun

Definition

A variant spelling of bombazine; a silk and cotton twilled fabric, often used for mourning clothes and formal wear in the 19th century.

Etymology

From French 'bombasine', an alternative spelling and pronunciation of 'bombazine', derived from 'bombace' (silky fiber) with the suffix '-ine'.

Kelly Says

Bombazeen was the dark, respectable fabric of choice for Victorian mourning clothes—the name's fancy spelling made it sound suitably serious for grief!

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