Fustian
Noun
Definition: A thick, durable cotton fabric with a slight nap, used in upholstery and clothing.
Definition: Language that is pompous, inflated, or pretentious in style or content.
Synonyms: Bombast, Grandiloquence, Verbosity
Antonyms: Simplicity, Conciseness
- The couch was upholstered with a luxurious fustian fabric.
- The politician's speech was full of fustian, making it difficult to understand his true intentions.
- Think of "fussy" fustian, being excessively verbose or showy.
- "Fustian fabric" sounds similar to "fussing with fabric," indicating a preference for elaborate or extravagant textiles.
Etymology:
The word "fustian" entered English in the 15th century from the Old French word "fustaigne," which was derived from the Arabic word "pistān" or "fustān" meaning "linen cloth."
Historical Usage:Fustian was highly valued during the medieval period as a luxurious fabric. In the 16th and 17th centuries, it began to be associated with extravagant language or bombastic writing styles.
Related Idioms:
"To speak in fustian"
Explanation:Refers to using inflated or pretentious language.
Misconceptions:
Confusing fustian as a positive attribute in relation to language or writing.
Explanation:While fustian may be used to describe a particular style of language, it is often seen as negative due to its association with bombastic or inflated expressions.