[flan.nel] n [ME flaunneol woolen cloth or garment] (1503) 1 a: a soft twilled wool or worsted fabric with a loose texture and a slightly napped surface b: a napped cotton fabric of soft yarns simulating the texture of wool flannel c: a stout cotton fabric usu. napped on one side
2. pl a: flannel underwear b: outer garments of flannel; esp: men's trousers 3 Brit: washcloth
4. Brit: flattering or evasive talk; also: nonsense, rubbish -- flannel adj -- flan.nel.ly adj