noun

drill

A strong cotton fabric with a diagonal weave.

The tailor chooses sturdy cotton drill for these work pants.

Etymology

The German textile term refers to a twilled fabric associated with a three-thread construction. English shortened it for the strong cloth with a characteristic diagonal weave.

More examples

This drill has a clearly visible diagonal weave.
She buys two yards of drill to make an apron.
These uniforms are made of heavy cotton drill.

Forms

drill

Similar words

twill: A broader fabric category, not necessarily strong or cotton.
denim: A cotton twill typically used for jeans, often blue.