Houndstooth
/ˈhaʊndstuːθ/ noun
noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A two-colour fabric pattern of broken checks.
"Other patterns include varied adaptations of paisleys, Tree of Life motifs, tiles, scenics, patchworks, ticking, soft-edge geometries, sports themes, crewel shapes, houndsteeth, and a plethora of florals."
- 2 Fabric with a houndstooth pattern; an item of clothing made with such fabric.
"Their ties were tidier, their houndsteeth toothier … they ended up looking more Windsorian than Windsor."
- 3 Hound's tongue, a plant of species Cynoglossum officinale
Example
More examples"Other patterns include varied adaptations of paisleys, Tree of Life motifs, tiles, scenics, patchworks, ticking, soft-edge geometries, sports themes, crewel shapes, houndsteeth, and a plethora of florals."
Etymology
From hound + -s- + tooth, from its appearance. Although the pattern itself is archaeologically found from time immemorial, the modern term is first attested in 1936.