flannel
UK[ˈflænəl]US[ˈflænəl]
n
A soft, light cloth with a slightly fuzzy surface, typically made of wool or cotton.
n
A small piece of cloth used for washing oneself.
n
(British, informal) Insincere or vague talk intended to avoid dealing with an issue directly.
Etymology
The word 'flannel' entered English in the late 16th century, likely borrowed from the Welsh word 'gwlanen', meaning 'woolen article'. This Welsh term itself derives from 'gwlân', meaning 'wool'. The fabric's name is thus directly tied to its original material. Over time, its meaning expanded from the specific woolen cloth to include cotton varieties and, by metaphorical extension in British English, to describe evasive, soft-soaping talk, much like the fabric's soft, non-abrasive quality.
Analysis
The word 'flannel' is a simplex loanword. Its spelling and form are not productively composed of smaller, meaningful English morphemes.
Examples
He wore a warm flannel shirt for the hike in the mountains.
She dampened a flannel to wash the child's face.
The politician's response was just a lot of flannel to avoid the real question.