/prooh nel"euh/ , n.
1. a strong, lightweight worsted constructed in a twill weave, used in the manufacture of women's and children's apparel.
2. a smooth-faced fabric made of mixed fibers or wool, formerly used in the manufacture of women's dresses and of robes for clerics, scholars, and lawyers.
Also, prunelle, prunello /prooh nel"oh/ .
[ 1650-60; perh. special use of PRUNELLE, from the dark color of the cloth ]