pillow lace

noun

: lace made with a bobbin

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web In the 18th century, Ipswich was known not for its clams but for its pillow lace. —BostonGlobe.com, 10 Sep. 2021 Before lace became mass-produced in the 1820s, pillow lace represented the pinnacle of fashion, with a yard equal in value to a cord of wood or 16 pounds of wool. —BostonGlobe.com, 10 Sep. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pillow lace.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

from its being worked over a pillow on which the pattern is marked

First Known Use

1815, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pillow lace was in 1815

Dictionary Entries Near pillow lace

pillow fight

pillow lace

pillow lava

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Cite this Entry

“Pillow lace.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pillow%20lace. Accessed 2 Feb. 2023.

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More from Merriam-Webster on pillow lace

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pillow lace

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