| Silk |
n. |
The fine, soft thread produced by various species of caterpillars in forming the cocoons within which the worm is inclosed during the pupa state, especially that produced by the larvae of Bombyx mori. |
| Silk |
n. |
Hence, thread spun, or cloth woven, from the above-named material. |
| Silk |
n. |
That which resembles silk, as the filiform styles of the female flower of maize. |
| Silk-stocking |
a. |
Wearing silk stockings (which among men were formerly worn chiefly by the luxurious or aristocratic); hence, elegantly dressed; aristocratic; luxurious;
chiefly applied to men, often by way of reproach. |
| Silken |
a. |
Of or pertaining to silk; made of, or resembling, silk; as, silken cloth; a silken veil. |
| Silken |
a. |
Fig.: Soft; delicate; tender; smooth; as, silken language. |
| Silken |
a. |
Dressed in silk. |
| Silken |
v. t. |
To render silken or silklike. |
| Silkensides |
n. |
Same as Slickensides. |
| Silkiness |
n. |
The quality or state of being silky or silken; softness and smoothness. |
| Silkiness |
n. |
Fig.: Effeminacy; weakness. |
| Silkman |
n. |
A dealer in silks; a silk mercer. |
| Silkmen |
pl. |
of Silkman |
| Silkness |
n. |
Silkiness. |
| Silkweed |
n. |
Any plant of the genera Asclepias and Acerates whose seed vessels contain a long, silky down; milkweed. |
| Silkworm |
n. |
The larva of any one of numerous species of bombycid moths, which spins a large amount of strong silk in constructing its cocoon before changing to a pupa. |
| Silky |
superl. |
Of or pertaining to silk; made of, or resembling, silk; silken; silklike; as, a silky luster. |
| Silky |
superl. |
Hence, soft and smooth; as, silky wine. |
| Silky |
superl. |
Covered with soft hairs pressed close to the surface, as a leaf; sericeous. |
