espadrille
UK[ˌespəˈdrɪl]US[ˈespədrɪl]
n
a light canvas shoe with a plaited fibre sole, originally worn in the pyrenees.
Etymology
the word 'espadrille' entered english in the late 19th century from french. the french term derives from the provençal word 'espardilho', which in turn comes from 'espart', the provençal word for 'esparto', a tough grass used for making ropes and cords. this directly references the traditional rope-soled construction of the shoe. the name thus traveled from a regional term for a grass-based material to the specific name for a style of footwear associated with the pyrenees region between france and spain.
Analysis
the word is a loanword from french, adopted as a single lexical unit. it is not productively formed from smaller, recognizable english morphemes.
Examples
she slipped on a pair of comfortable espadrilles for her summer stroll along the beach.
the classic espadrille, with its jute sole and canvas upper, remains a warm-weather staple.
modern designers have updated the espadrille with wedges and vibrant patterns.