cloth
/klɒθ
/noun (plural cloths /klɒθz/ /klɒðz/)
1 [mass noun] Woven or felted fabric made from wool, cotton, or a similar fibre: a broad piece of pleated cloth [as modifier]: a cloth bag...
- The other main form of visual art is silk and cotton woven cloth with elaborate and subtle patterns and colors.
- The jacket is manufactured from wool and has khaki cloth patches on the elbows.
- Now the floor was carpeted, with a long woven length of cloth that was blood red.
Synonyms
fabric, material, textile, stuff;
textiles, dry goods, soft goods
2A piece of cloth for cleaning or covering something, e.g. a dishcloth or a tablecloth: wipe clean with a damp cloth...
- Beside him there was a gleaming glass and the white cloth he'd been cleaning it with.
- Oh, and she told me I don't have to bother buying cloths for cleaning the toilet anymore…
- As each loaf comes out of the oven, wrap it in a clean cloth or towel to keep it soft until the baking process is complete.
Synonyms
rag, dishcloth, floorcloth, wipe, sponge, duster;
flannel, facecloth;
towel, paper towel, tea towel, tea cloth;
tablecloth;
North American washcloth, washrag;
Australian washer
UK trademark J-cloth
3 (the cloth) The clergy; the clerical profession: has he given up all ideas of the cloth?...
- At one time in my life, I respected a man of the cloth, but now I've seen the light.
- A man of the cloth commands respect. It is assumed that a man of god is somehow better than the rest of us.
- That figures of the cloth have been associated with prosecutorial misconduct and the passions of the mob is one of this case's many ironies.
Synonyms
the clergy, the church, the priesthood, the ministry, the first estate;
clergymen, clerics, priests, ecclesiastics
Origin
Old English clāth, related to Dutch kleed and German Kleid, of unknown ultimate origin.