Gabardine
/ˌɡæb.ərˈdiːn/noun
A tightly woven, durable fabric used especially for suits, coats, and rainwear.
Did you know?Gabardine entered English through French and Spanish, and its earlier forms may be connected to a medieval word for a long, loose outer garment rather than the sleek fabric we mean today.
Etymological Timeline
Late Middle Ages
Spanish
gabardina
“A long outer garment or cloak”
Late Middle Ages
Old French
gabar(d)ine
“A rough cloak or protective garment”
Middle Ages
Arabic
qabāʾ / qabā
“A robe or outer garment (possible influence in some accounts)”
16th Century
English
gaberdine
“A loose outer cloak or gown”
19th Century
English
gabardine
“A durable twill fabric used for clothing”