herringbone

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   A bone of a herring.

   • The prosperity of Amsterdam was then so great that it was said that Amsterdam was "founded on herring-bones."
2. 2

   A zigzag pattern, especially made by bricks, on a cloth, or by stitches in sewing.

   • 'The best path of life is but a herring-bone pattern.'
   • Mr Bloom walked behind the eyeless feet, a flatcut suit of herringbone tweed.
   • Though almost engulfed by Bedford, Elstow's claim to villagedom is still maintained by two fine rows of timber-framed, overhung, black-and-white cottages and the timber and herringbone-brick Swan pub.
3. 3

   A method of climbing a hill by pointing the skis outward in a V-shape to keep from…

   A method of climbing a hill by pointing the skis outward in a V-shape to keep from sliding backwards.

4. ›+ 3 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      Twilled fabric woven in rows of parallel sloping lines.

      • For some strange and elusive reason, the staid, prosaic herringbones have angled themselves into a position of fashion prominence.
   2. 5

      To stitch in a herringbone pattern.

   3. 6

      To climb a hill by pointing the skis outward in a V-shape to keep from sliding backwards.

The neighborhood

• neighborfishbone
• neighborherringlike