petersham

petersham

A gentleman wears a petersham coat on a crisp autumn day.

Definition

  1. Noun:

    • A type of heavy corded ribbon or braid: "petersham" refers to a thick, stiff ribbon with a woven pattern, often used in millinery or dressmaking for decoration or support.
    • A heavy, corded fabric: "petersham" can also mean a coarse, ribbed fabric, typically made of silk or wool, used historically for coats or waistcoats.

  2. Noun (historical):

    • A style of overcoat: In the 19th century, "petersham" was a term for a heavy overcoat made from this fabric, often with a velvet collar.
Usage Examples

  • Ribbon or braid:

    • She used petersham ribbon to trim the edge of her hat. (A thick, corded ribbon applied as decoration.)
    • The tailor sewed petersham along the waistband for extra stiffness. (A heavy braid used to reinforce a garment.)

  • Fabric:

    • His coat was made of dark wool petersham, durable and warm. (A coarse, ribbed fabric used for outerwear.)

  • Historical coat:

    • The gentleman wore a petersham over his suit on the cold day. (A heavy overcoat made from the fabric.)
Advanced Usage

  • "Petersham ribbon": often distinguished from grosgrain by its heavier, more rigid weave.

    • The milliner selected a striped petersham ribbon for the hatband. (A specific type of ribbon with a pronounced corded texture.)

  • "Petersham coat": a historical garment, popular in the early 1800s, associated with Lord Petersham.

    • In period dramas, characters often wear a petersham as a fashionable outer layer. (A coat made from the fabric, named after the British nobleman.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Petersham (adj): relating to or made of this fabric or ribbon.

    • The petersham trim added structure to the dress. (Referring to the material.)

  • Petersham (historical): sometimes used as a proper noun for the coat style.

    • He inherited a petersham from his grandfather. (A specific garment.)
Synonyms
  • Grosgrain: a similar corded ribbon, though typically lighter.
  • Ribbed fabric: a textile with raised lines, like petersham.
  • Worsted: a type of wool fabric, sometimes comparable in texture.
Related Idioms
  • To wear a petersham: historically, to be dressed in a fashionable, heavy overcoat.
    • He was always seen wearing a petersham in winter. (A reference to the coat style.)