[silk] n, often attrib [ME, fr. OE seolc, prob. ultim. fr. Gk serikos silken--more at sericeous] (bef. 12c) 1: a fine continuous protein fiber produced by various insect larvae usu. for cocoons; esp: a lustrous tough elastic fiber produced by silkworms and used for textiles
2: thread, yarn, or fabric made from silk filaments 3 a: a garment of silk b (1): a distinctive silk gown worn by a King's or Queen's Counsel (2): a King's or Queen's Counsel c pl: the colored cap and blouse of a jockey or harness horse driver made in the registered racing color of the employing stable
4. a: a filament resembling silk; esp: one produced by a spider b: silky material "milkweed ~"; esp: the styles of an ear of Indian corn
5: parachute -- silk.like adj
[2]silk vi (1783) of corn: to develop the silk