serge

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a strong twill-weave fabric, traditionally made of wool or worsted and often used for suits and uniforms

   He wore a dark blue serge jacket despite the summer heat.

2. 2
   verb

   to finish a cut fabric edge with an overlock stitch so that it does not fray

   Serge each seam before assembling the lining.

The fabric noun comes from Middle English sarge, through Old French serge, from a Vulgar Latin form related to Latin serica ("silken things") and Ancient Greek serikos ("silken"). The sewing verb is a later technical use meaning to overlock an edge.

Topics