sackcloth
/ˈsakklɒθ
/noun [mass noun]
A very coarse, rough fabric woven from flax or hemp.Canvas is popular because it's light, rigid, yet elastic at the same time. Canvas can be made from sackcloth, cotton (most popular), synthetic, a combination of materials or even smooth linen....
- The feel of the dark silk against his skin was welcome after the years of coarse sackcloth, and having the weight of the chains taken away lifted his spirits.
- Initially attired in heavyweight fabrics, and sackcloth aprons - the sort of robust clothing necessary to withstand the rigour of their work - the girls were often criticised for their lack of femininity.
Synonyms
hessian, sacking, hopsack, hopsacking, burlap;
North American & Indian gunny;
East Indies tāt
historical poldavy, stramin, sugarsack
Phrases
sackcloth and ashes