n.
Pronunciation: sh ə - ' n ē l
Function: noun
Etymology: F, literally, caterpillar, from Latin canicula, diminutive of canis dog; from its hairy appearance ― more at HOUND
Date: circa 1739
1 : a wool, cotton, silk, or rayon yarn with protruding pile also : a pile-face fabric with a filling of this yarn
2 : an imitation of chenille yarn or fabric