GOSSAMER


Meaning of GOSSAMER in English

/gos"euh meuhr/ , n.

1. a fine, filmy cobweb seen on grass or bushes or floating in the air in calm weather, esp. in autumn.

2. a thread or a web of this substance.

3. an extremely delicate variety of gauze, used esp. for veils.

4. any thin, light fabric.

5. something extremely light, flimsy, or delicate.

6. a thin, waterproof outer garment, esp. for women.

adj.

7. Also, gossamery /gos"euh meuh ree/ , gossamered . of or like gossamer; thin and light.

[ 1275-1325; ME gosesomer (see GOOSE, SUMMER 1 ); possibly first used as name for late, mild autumn, a time when goose was a favorite dish (cf. G Gänsemonat November), then transferred to the cobwebs frequent at that time of year ]

Random House Webster's Unabridged English dictionary.      Полный английский словарь Вебстер - Random House .