hessian1
/ˈhɛsɪən
/noun [mass noun] chiefly British
A strong, coarse fabric made from hemp or jute, used for sacks and upholstery: [as modifier]: hessian sacks...
- Garden rubbish is also collected in hessian sacks for a small charge.
- These would be covered with layers of hessian sacking.
- Burnished gold wallpaper, hand-made from silk and hessian, lines the walls on which are hung oil portraits of distinguished grand masters, including one by Raeburn.
Origin
Late 19th century: from Hesse (see Hesse) + -ian.
Hessian2
/ˈhɛsɪən/adjective
Relating to or characteristic of the German state of Hesse: the Hessian nobility...
- The British paid Hessian troops to help fight in the American Revolution.
- Although Frederika was the wife of a Hessian general, she was adored by both sides and even befriended by Thomas Jefferson.
- If the Hessian musicians feel embarrassed by a single note of Antheil's music, they don't reveal it.
noun
A native or inhabitant of the German state of Hesse: a rising young Hessian...
- In Irving's short story, the Hessian was killed by a cannon ball rather than a bunch of puny colonials.
- He defeated the British Hessians at Trenton.
- The Americans took Hessians prisoner, and treated them very well.