Count

in spinning, the number given to thread or yarn to indicate the fineness. A "hank" of cotton contains 840 yards; when 60 such hanks are required for a pound, the thread is No. 60; if 80 hanks make a pound, it is No. 80, etc. The count of spun silk is made in the same way. The count of reel silk is based upon the number of thousands of yards to the ounce; the count of worsted yarn, upon the number of hanks, each containing 560 yards, to the pound. The count of woollen yarns varies, but is usually based upon the number of thousands of yards to the pound. The count of linen yarn is based upon the number of "leas," each containing 300 yards, to the pound.