lustring
Definition
- Noun:
- A glossy silk fabric: "lustring" (also spelled "lute-string") refers to a type of fine, lustrous silk fabric, often used in the 17th and 18th centuries for clothing or decorative purposes. It is characterized by its smooth, shiny surface.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- She wore a gown made of lustring, which shimmered in the candlelight. (A glossy silk fabric used for elegant attire.)
- The merchant imported bolts of lustring from the East Indies. (Bales of shiny silk fabric for trade.)
Advanced Usage
Historical Context: "lustring" was particularly popular in the 17th and 18th centuries for formal wear and upholstery. It is often mentioned in historical texts and fashion descriptions.
- The queen’s court favored lustring for its rich appearance. (The fabric was a symbol of luxury and status.)
"lustring" as a variant spelling of "lute-string": The word is sometimes spelled "lute-string," though the meaning remains the same.
- The merchant offered both plain and patterned lustring. (Varieties of the same glossy fabric.)
Variants and Related Words
Lutestring (n): an alternative spelling of "lustring," referring to the same glossy silk fabric.
- The dress was made of lutestring, imported from France. (A synonym for the shiny silk material.)
Lustre (n): a related word meaning shine or gloss, from which "lustring" is derived.
- The fabric had a beautiful lustre. (A glossy quality.)
Synonyms
- Silk: a fine, soft fiber produced by silkworms, often used for luxurious fabrics.
- Satin: a smooth, glossy fabric, similar in appearance to lustring.
- Taffeta: a crisp, smooth fabric, sometimes with a sheen, akin to lustring.
Related Idioms
- "Silk and lustring": a phrase used historically to denote luxury and elegance.
- The nobility dressed in silk and lustring for the grand ball. (High-quality, shiny attire for formal occasions.)
Note: "lustring" is primarily a historical term and is rarely used in modern contexts, except in discussions of antique textiles or historical fashion.