brocade
UK[brəˈkeɪd]US[broʊˈkeɪd]
n
a rich fabric, often silk, woven with a raised pattern, typically using gold or silver thread.
v
to weave or decorate a fabric with such a raised pattern.
Etymology
the word 'brocade' entered english in the 16th century from the spanish 'brocado' or italian 'broccato', meaning 'embossed cloth'. these romance language terms derive from the medieval latin 'broccus', meaning 'projecting, pointed', which itself is likely of celtic origin. the semantic logic connects the idea of something 'projecting' to the defining characteristic of the fabric: its raised, embossed, or figured design. thus, the term traveled from a descriptive adjective for a physical protrusion to the specific name for an ornate, textured textile.
Analysis
this word is a loanword adopted as a single, unanalyzable unit in english. its components are not productive morphemes within the english language system.
Examples
the ceremonial robe was made of exquisite gold brocade.
skilled artisans would brocade the silk with intricate floral motifs.
the antique brocade on the cushion was beginning to fray.