pilot-cloth

A sailor wears a thick pilot-cloth coat on the ship's deck.

Definition

Noun (mass noun):
A type of thick, dark blue woolen fabric, traditionally used for making sailors' overcoats or cloaks.

Usage Examples

Advanced Usage

• is often associated with maritime uniforms and can be used metaphorically to evoke durability or traditional seafaring attire.
  • His rugged jacket, cut from pilot-cloth, seemed as sturdy as the man himself.

Variants and Related Words

• Pilot cloth (alternative spelling): the same fabric, sometimes written as two words.
  • The merchant sold several bolts of pilot cloth for naval contracts.
• Pilot (adj): relating to the fabric's original use for pilots or sailors.
  • The pilot jacket was lined with fur for extra warmth.

Synonyms

• Melton cloth: a heavy woolen fabric with a smooth finish, often used for coats.
• Frieze: a coarse woolen cloth with a nap, historically used for outerwear.
• Kersey: a thick, ribbed woolen fabric resembling pilot-cloth.

Related Idioms

• There are no common idioms directly using , but it may appear in nautical contexts:
  • "Wrapped in pilot-cloth": suggesting protection or readiness for harsh conditions.
  • The old captain, wrapped in pilot-cloth, stood firm on the deck.