Definition of "bengaline" []

• A fabric having a crosswise ribbed effect made of silk, wool, or synthetic fibers. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "A crosswise-ribbed fabric similar to faille or bengaline but with heavier ribs."
• "The same weave is also found in all-silk goods, under the designation of all-silk bengaline."
• "When cheapened by the use of a cotton weft in place of wool the fabric is known as cotton bengaline, although the cotton is in the filling only."