bedford cord: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal / Technical (Textiles, Fashion, Historical Clothing)
Quick answer
What does “bedford cord” mean?
A durable woven fabric with prominent lengthwise ridges or cords, created by using a combination of thicker yarns in a specific weave pattern.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A durable woven fabric with prominent lengthwise ridges or cords, created by using a combination of thicker yarns in a specific weave pattern.
This fabric is traditionally associated with sturdy workwear, riding habits, and military uniforms due to its hard-wearing nature and distinctive texture. It can also refer to the specific weaving technique that produces these parallel ridges.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in both dialects, though the fabric's historical association with British military uniforms (e.g., the Bedfordshire Regiment) may make the term more prevalent in UK historical or tailoring contexts.
Connotations
Connotes durability, tradition, and a certain utilitarian or military classicism. In fashion, it can suggest a 'heritage' or 'country' aesthetic.
Frequency
Low frequency in general language but standard within textile, tailoring, vintage fashion, and equestrian communities.
Grammar
How to Use “bedford cord” in a Sentence
made of [Bedford cord]tailored in [Bedford cord][garment] of Bedford cordthe [ridges/texture] of Bedford cordVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bedford cord” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The breeches were traditionally bedford-corded for extra durability on campaign.
American English
- The designer chose to Bedford-cord the yoke of the jacket for textural contrast.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in textile manufacturing, wholesale fabric description, and heritage fashion branding.
Academic
Found in texts on textile history, material culture studies, and the history of fashion and uniform.
Everyday
Rare. Might be used by sewers, vintage clothing enthusiasts, or in high-end clothing descriptions.
Technical
Precise term in weaving, fabric specification, and historical garment conservation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bedford cord”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bedford cord”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bedford cord”
- Confusing it with corduroy (which has cut piles forming the cords).
- Using it as a general term for any thick fabric.
- Misspelling as 'Bedford chord'.
- Treating it as a common, everyday term.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Both have cords/ridges, but corduroy's cords are made from cut pile (loops are cut), giving a soft, velvety surface. Bedford cord's ridges are woven from thicker yarns, resulting in a flatter, harder-wearing surface.
It is believed to originate from Bedford, England, or the surrounding county of Bedfordshire, which was a centre for woolen weaving. It was famously used for the uniforms of the Bedfordshire Regiment.
Historically and currently, it is used for durable garments: military uniforms, riding apparel (breeches, jackets), workwear, and in contemporary fashion for trousers, jackets, and skirts where a sturdy, textured fabric is desired.
Traditionally it was wool or cotton. Modern versions can be found in cotton-polyester blends or other synthetics, but purists maintain that true Bedford cord is a woolen fabric.
A durable woven fabric with prominent lengthwise ridges or cords, created by using a combination of thicker yarns in a specific weave pattern.
Bedford cord is usually formal / technical (textiles, fashion, historical clothing) in register.
Bedford cord: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɛdfəd kɔːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɛdfərd kɔːrd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the 'cords' on a military uniform from Bedford Barracks – Bedford cord is the fabric that makes those distinct ridges.
Conceptual Metaphor
TEXTURE IS STRUCTURE / DURABILITY IS WEIGHT (The prominent ridges metaphorically represent strength and resilience.)
Practice
Quiz
What is the defining characteristic of Bedford cord?