Hessian
/ˈhɛsiən/noun
A coarse, rough woven fabric, or something made of that fabric.
Did you know?The fabric name comes from Hessians—troops from Hesse in Germany—because sacks and rough cloth were associated with their uniforms and supplies in English usage.
Etymological Timeline
German place name
German
Hessen
“The region of Hesse in Germany”
18th Century
English
Hessian
“A soldier from Hesse, especially one serving as a mercenary”
18th Century
English
Hessian cloth
“Coarse cloth associated with sacks or rough military fabric”
Modern English
English
hessian
“Coarse woven fabric, especially burlap or sackcloth”
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