shepherd's plaid
Definition
- Noun:
- A specific checked pattern: "shepherd's plaid" refers to a distinctive black-and-white check pattern, typically woven into woolen fabric. It consists of small, alternating dark and light squares, resembling a chessboard in miniature.
- A fabric with this pattern: The term also denotes the cloth or garment (such as a scarf, coat, or blanket) that features this particular checked design.
Usage Examples
- (Describes the fabric pattern used in a garment.)
- (Refers to a specific accessory featuring the pattern.)
Advanced Usage
"shepherd's plaid check": The precise name for the pattern itself.
- The jacket featured a subtle shepherd's plaid check, not the larger windowpane style. (Distinguishes the pattern from other checks.)
"shepherd's plaid tweed": A variation of the pattern woven in tweed fabric.
- He bought a hunting vest in shepherd's plaid tweed for its durability and classic look. (Combines the pattern with a specific fabric type.)
Variants and Related Words
- Plaid (n): a pattern of crossed horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colors, often associated with Scottish tartans. is a specific subtype.
- Check (n): a pattern of squares, often in two colors. is a type of check.
- Shepherd's check (n): an alternative name for the same pattern.
Synonyms
- Black-and-white check: a general term for a two-tone checked pattern.
- Small check: a description emphasizing the size of the squares.
- Dogtooth check (optional note): a similar pattern with pointed, not square, shapes; has square checks, not pointed ones.
Related Idioms
- "Plaid pattern": a broader category of woven checks; is a specific example.
- "Tartan": often confused with plaid; tartan is a specific type of plaid with a named set of colors, while is a simple two-color check without a clan association.