zenana-clothhttp://www.oed.com/dictionary/zenana-cloth_n%3Ftab%3Dmeaning_and_usezenana cloth, n.
Revised 2018

zenana clothnoun

Now rare.
  1. 1885–
    a. n. A light, though warm, quilted or matelassé fabric used for women's clothing, esp. for dressing gowns, tea gowns, and other informal garments designed to be worn in private (cf. zenana n. A.2); b. adj. made of this fabric.
    1. 1885
      Zenana Cloth, 9s. 11d. doz.
      Adelaide Observer 26 September 40/5 (advertisement)
    2. 1897
      As chilly hours draw near we may be permitted to turn to Zenana-cloth for some items of our lingerie.
      Lady's Realm vol. 1 93/1
    3. 1919
      French Zenana cloth lounging robes.
      Boston Daily Globe 1 October 13/4
    4. 1952
      Zenana cloth, a self-patterned rayon fabric with a cosy, fleecy back, is specially imported from France.
      Sydney Morning Herald 12 February 8
    5. 1987
      A zenana-cloth bedjacket, lace bonnet, and bobbled slippers.
      D. Bellos, translation of G. Perec, Life: User's Manual xxxviii. 170

Originally published as part of the entry for zenana, n. & adj.

zenana, n. & adj. was revised in June 2018.