rhizoverbBeta
DictionarybrocadeDecoratively woven fabric
noun / verb

brocade

broh-KAYD/brəʊˈkeɪd/

Rich fabric with raised woven patterns, or weaving fabric in this style.

Raised gold flowers cover the folded length of burgundy brocade.

A folded length of rich burgundy brocade with raised gold floral patterns, shown close enough to reveal that the ornament is woven into the fabric rather than printed or sewn on.
Etymology
brocItalianto stud, set with nails
+adeItalianpast-participle ending

The underlying image is something studded or set with nails. Applied to embossed cloth, this became a name for richly ornamented fabric with raised patterns.

In context

Libranima328:07
or at least damsels dressed like shepherdesses, save that their jerkins and sayas were of fine brocade; that is to say, the sayas were rich farthingales of gold embroidered
Don Quixote - Cervantes (Illustrated Audiobook) Part 4 of 4

More examples

  • The tailor cut the brocade carefully around its repeating pattern.
  • The workshop brocades silk with intricate floral designs.
  • Her brocaded vest caught the light as she moved.

Forms

brocade · brocades · brocaded · brocading

Similar words

embroidery
Adds stitched decoration to fabric, brocade forms its pattern during weaving.