Definition

1. Noun:
   • A sock knitted or woven with an argyle design: A type of hosiery, often a sock, that features the distinctive argyle pattern. This usage is frequently found in the plural form ("argylls").
   • A design consisting of a pattern of varicolored diamonds on a solid background: A geometric pattern characterized by overlapping diamonds of different colors, often on a solid-colored field. It originated from the tartan of a Scottish clan.
   • A covered gravy holder of silver or other metal containing a detachable central vessel for hot water: A serving dish, typically made of metal, designed to keep gravy warm. It consists of an outer container and a removable inner vessel for hot water.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Sock):

  • He wore a pair of woolen argylls with his loafers.
  • Argyle socks are a classic element of preppy style.

• Noun (Design):

  • The sweater featured a traditional red and black argyll.
  • She chose a tie with a subtle argyll pattern for the interview.

• Noun (Serving Dish):

  • The butler brought the gravy in a polished silver argyll.
  • An antique argyll is a prized possession for collectors of tableware.

Advanced Usage

• "In the argyll style": Made with or resembling the argyle pattern.
  • The new collection features cardigans in the argyll style.

Variants and Related Words

• Argyle: This is the more common modern spelling, especially in American English, for the pattern and the socks. "Argyll" is an alternate spelling, often used for the historical/clan reference and the serving dish.
• Diamond pattern: A general term for designs featuring diamond shapes, of which argyll is a specific, colored type.

Synonyms

• Pattern: Design, motif (for the design meaning).
• Sock: Hose, stocking (for the hosiery meaning).
• Gravy boat: Sauce boat, server (for the dish meaning, though not exact synonyms as an argyll has a specific warming feature).

Related Idioms and Phrases

• While there are no common idioms using the word "argyll," the pattern itself is culturally associated with golf attire and traditional knitwear.
  • He looked the part in his V-neck sweater and argyle socks.

Noun

1. a sock knitted or woven with an argyle design (usually used in the plural)
2. a design consisting of a pattern of varicolored diamonds on a solid background (originally for knitted articles); patterned after the tartan of a clan in western Scotland
3. a covered gravy holder of silver or other metal containing a detachable central vessel for hot water to keep the gravy warm