Lawn

originally a name given to a fine, plain-woven, linen textile, of light weight suitable for kerchiefs, ruffs, etc. Cotton imitations have been substituted for the linen fabric to such an extent that at present the word lawn, unless preceded by some qualifying word, denotes a plain, light, cotton fabric, bleached pure white. Lawn is dyed in plain colors or printed, when it is called colored lawn or figured lawn. Barred lawn is lawn woven with cords or ribs. Lace lawn is woven with open-work effects. The name lawn is thought by some to have come into use from the fact that the light-weight fabric was spread to bleach upon smooth, grassy lawns instead of on the rough grass which was good enough for common muslins and heavy linens. Others claim that the name comes from Laon, France, as cambric comes from Cambrai.