dimity
noun, proper noun
Forms dimities dimmity
- noun (dated in general use, now textiles) A light strong fabric with woven stripes or squares.
- proper noun A female given name of modern usage.
- proper noun A surname.
Etymology
From earlier dimite, from Middle English demit, demyt, from Medieval Latin dimitum, from Byzantine Greek δίμιτον (dímiton), from Ancient Greek δίμιτος (dímitos, “of double thread”).
The given name is apparently from the name of the light cotton fabric, dimity. However, since it is found primarily as an Irish name, it may have originated as a feminine equivalent of Dermot.
Webster’s 1913
- noun A cotton fabric employed for hangings and furniture coverings, and formerly used for women's under-garments. It is of many patterns, both plain and twilled, and occasionally is printed in colors.
Etymology [Prob. fr. Gr. diemet, of F. dimite, démitte. Cf. Samite.]
Sources: Wiktionary · Webster’s 1913 — from the Wiktionary entry “dimity”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details