A thick cotton fabric with raised parallel ridges or ribs running lengthwise.
From French 'corde du roi' meaning 'cord of the king' — this was the royal fabric worn by French kings' servants and courtiers. The distinctive ridged pattern was considered so elegant that it became associated with royal households. English speakers corrupted the French phrase into 'corduroy,' keeping the royal connection alive in working-class pants!
Your casual corduroy pants literally mean 'king's cord' in French. This humble fabric was once so fancy that only royal servants could wear it, but somehow ended up as the go-to material for professors' elbow patches and dad's weekend trousers — quite the democratic evolution!
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.