verb
smock
To decorate fabric by gathering it into folds held with embroidery.
She smocks the cotton bodice with neat rows of embroidery.
Etymology
Smock names a loose garment traditionally decorated with gathered embroidery. The verb takes the garment’s name for the technique used on it.
More examples
- I smock the cuffs before sewing them onto the sleeves.
- The dress has a finely smocked panel across the chest.
- We practice smocking on a small piece of cotton.
Forms
smock · smocks · smocked · smocking
smocking noun — Decorative embroidery that holds gathered fabric.
Similar words
- embroider
- Decorates fabric with stitches without necessarily gathering it into folds.
- gather
- Draws fabric into folds without necessarily adding decorative stitching.