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Glite Dictionary
packcloth

packcloth

6.7
A strong rough cloth used for making bags or tents
  • noun
  • Archaic
translation icon : tela de embalaje
  • For our camping trip, we chose a tent made of strong packcloth to keep us dry.
  • nylon packcloth

Examples

  • A tent constructed with packcloth can resist wind and water effectively.

  • They used packcloth to cover the equipment during the rainy season.

  • The backpack was made from tough packcloth to handle heavy loads.

  • The packcloth is strong.

  • This packcloth feels rough.

  • The backpack is made from durable packcloth that can withstand harsh weather conditions.

  • The packcloth was sturdy enough to protect our supplies during the hike.

Synonyms

canvas
vspackcloth
63 3.0

A strong heavy cloth used for sails, tents, and as a painting surface

is more general for bags and covering goods rather than only tents
burlap
vspackcloth
  • US
23 6.1

A rough, strong cloth made from jute used for sacks and wrapping plants

is broader, also used for tents and covering goods
sackcloth
vspackcloth
  • Archaic
5 9.9

A rough cloth worn to show sorrow or regret

is usually used for bags, tents, or covering goods instead of garments
bagging
vspackcloth
  • Archaic
3 7.2

A rough cloth made from jute used to make sacks

is also used for tents and general coverings
sacking
vspackcloth
  • Archaic
1 6.0

A rough heavy cloth used for making bags for potatoes

is broader, also fits tents and protective coverings
sailcloth
vspackcloth
1 5.5

Strong, heavy fabric used to make sails and tents

is broader, also used to make bags and cover goods
hopsacking
vspackcloth
  • Specialized
9.6

A rough, loosely woven cloth often used for suits and furniture

is stronger and intended for heavy bags, tents, and coverings

How Durable

tarpaulin
4 5.4
canvas
63 3.0
packcloth
  • Archaic
6.7
duck
  • Specialized
4 7.3
terry cloth
5 2.1

Surface Forms

packcloth singular
packcloths plural

Morphology

packcloth = pack + cloth (transparent) = pack + cloth

The compound 'packcloth' is directly interpretable as 'cloth used for packing' from its components.

Etymology

The word packcloth is simply pack + cloth, with pack meaning 'to carry' and cloth meaning 'fabric'. Think of the cloth used for a backpack or a pack animal: it had to be very strong, so packcloth came to mean a heavy, coarse fabric used for making bags, tents, or covering goods.