hodden: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare / ObsoleteHistorical, Literary, Dialectal
Quick answer
What does “hodden” mean?
A coarse, undyed, homespun woollen cloth.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A coarse, undyed, homespun woollen cloth.
Can refer to anything rustic, plain, unsophisticated, or characteristic of rural peasant life.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Almost exclusively used in a Scottish/British historical context. American usage is virtually non-existent.
Connotations
In British (Scottish) usage, it connotes sturdy simplicity, rustic tradition, and sometimes humble poverty. In its military context ('hodden grey'), it signifies egalitarian pride and Scottish identity.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary English. Found in historical texts, Scottish literature, and discussions of traditional textiles or military history.
Grammar
How to Use “hodden” in a Sentence
made of [hodden]clothed in [hodden]woven into [hodden]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hodden” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The regiment was famous for its hodden grey kilts.
- He preferred the hodden simplicity of country life.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical, textile, or Scottish cultural studies.
Everyday
Not used in modern everyday conversation.
Technical
Potentially used in historical reenactment or traditional weaving circles.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hodden”
- Using it as a verb (to hodden).
- Using it to describe a person directly ('He is hodden' instead of 'He wore hodden').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an archaic or historical term, primarily encountered in literature or discussions of historical textiles and Scottish culture.
It refers to the undyed, greyish colour of the coarse woollen cloth. It is famously associated with the uniform of the London Scottish Regiment and with John Galt's description of the typical Scottish peasant.
Yes, but attributively (before a noun), as in 'hodden cloth' or 'hodden grey'. It is not used predicatively (e.g., 'The cloth is hodden').
It is of Scots origin, dating from the late 15th century. Its exact etymology is uncertain, but it is related to the cloth's rough, home-made nature.
A coarse, undyed, homespun woollen cloth.
Hodden is usually historical, literary, dialectal in register.
Hodden: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhɒdən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɑːdən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The hodden grey (referring to the uniform of the London Scottish Regiment or rustic attire).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a HOddon carrying a hod (builder's tray) full of coarse, grey wool.
Conceptual Metaphor
PLAINNESS IS HODDEN (e.g., 'his hodden honesty' for blunt, unadorned truth).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'hodden' most famously used?