Buckram is a term that might not be familiar to everyone, but it is a word that has been around for centuries. It is a material that has been used for a variety of purposes, and it has a rich history that is worth exploring. In this article, we will define buckram, explore its origins, examine its meaning in different dictionaries, look at its associations, and provide examples of how it is used in sentences.
Definitions
Buckram is a stiff fabric that is made of cotton or linen fibers. It is often used in bookbinding, hat-making, and upholstery. It is known for its durability and strength, and it is often used as a reinforcement material. Buckram can be found in a variety of colors and textures, and it is often treated with starch or other chemicals to make it even stiffer.
Origin
The word “buckram” comes from the Old French word “bougran,” which means “coarse woolen cloth.” It was first used in the English language in the 14th century, and it originally referred to a type of coarse cloth that was made from goat hair. Over time, the meaning of the word evolved to refer to the stiff fabric that we know today.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, buckram is “a stiff-finished heavily sized fabric of cotton or linen used for interlinings, bookbinding, and in clothing for stiffening certain areas.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a stiff, coarse fabric of cotton or linen, used for interlinings, bookbinding, etc.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “a strong, stiff cotton or linen material used for making hats, book covers, and other things that need to be stiff.”
Associations
Buckram is often associated with formal wear, such as tuxedos and suits. It is also associated with academic regalia, such as graduation gowns and hoods. In addition, it is often used in bookbinding to reinforce the spine of a book or to create a stiff cover.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for buckram include canvas, duck, and muslin. These materials are all similar to buckram in that they are stiff and durable.
Antonyms
Some antonyms for buckram include flimsy, flexible, and pliable. These words describe materials that are the opposite of buckram in terms of their stiffness and durability.
The same root words
The word “bougran,” which is the Old French root word for buckram, is also the root word for the French word “bougrané,” which means “embossed leather.” This word is related to the texture of buckram, which is often embossed or textured.
Example Sentences
- The bookbinder used buckram to reinforce the spine of the book.
- The graduation gown was made of black buckram.
- The hat-maker used buckram to create a stiff brim for the hat.
- The tailor used buckram to stiffen the collar of the jacket.
- The upholsterer used buckram to reinforce the seat of the chair.