grogram: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Very Low / Archaic
UK/ˈɡrɒɡrəm/US/ˈɡrɑːɡrəm/

Archaic, Historical, Literary

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Quick answer

What does “grogram” mean?

A coarse fabric woven from silk, mohair, and wool, often stiffened with gum.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A coarse fabric woven from silk, mohair, and wool, often stiffened with gum.

The term primarily denotes the historical fabric but can be used, especially adjectivally ('grogram-covered'), to evoke an archaic or rustic material quality. By extension, due to its coarse nature, it can imply something rough or unrefined.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant modern difference; the term is equally obsolete in both varieties.

Connotations

Connotes 17th-19th century history, austerity, or rustic simplicity.

Frequency

Extremely rare in both. Any usage is likely in historical novels or academic texts.

Grammar

How to Use “grogram” in a Sentence

[Noun] made of grograma [garment] of grogram[Adjective] grogram

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
coarse grogramstiff grogramgrogram gowngrogram coat
medium
woven of grograma suit of grogramgrogram breeches
weak
old grogramheavy grogramgrey grogram

Examples

Examples of “grogram” in a Sentence

adjective

British English

  • The merchant wore a grogram waistcoat, faded with age.

American English

  • They found an old grogram coat in the colonial-era trunk.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Virtually never used.

Academic

Used only in historical studies of textiles or costume.

Everyday

Never used.

Technical

Used in very narrow textile history contexts.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “grogram”

Strong

camlet (a similar contemporary fabric)stuff (archaic for fabric)

Neutral

mohairgrosgrain (note: different fabric)wool-mix fabric

Weak

coarse clothstiff fabric

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “grogram”

silksatingauzefine linen

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “grogram”

  • Misspelling as 'grogran' or 'grogramm'.
  • Confusing it with 'grosgrain' (a ribbed silk fabric).
  • Using it as a contemporary term.
  • Using it as a verb (it is solely a noun).

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

No, grogram is an archaic fabric and is not produced for modern clothing.

Grogram is a coarse mix of silk, mohair and wool, stiffened with gum. Grosgrain is a fine, ribbed silk or rayon fabric used for ribbons and trim.

Yes, though rare. It can be used attributively (e.g., 'a grogram coat') to describe something made of that fabric.

Generally, they wouldn't. It's useful only for reading very specific historical literature or texts on costume history.

A coarse fabric woven from silk, mohair, and wool, often stiffened with gum.

Grogram is usually archaic, historical, literary in register.

Grogram: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡrɒɡrəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡrɑːɡrəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • None in common use. Historically, 'in grogram' might describe someone's attire.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of a GROss (coarse) proGRAM - a coarse fabric program (weave).

Conceptual Metaphor

COARSENESS IS RUGGEDNESS / AUSTERITY.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
The 17th-century sailor's trousers were made of coarse , durable against the elements.
Multiple Choice

What is 'grogram' primarily?