Starched Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
starched
[stษหrtสt ]
Definitions
fabric treatment
Starched refers to fabric that has been treated with starch to make it stiff and crisp. This process is often used on clothing like shirts and table linens to achieve a neat appearance.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He wore a starched shirt to the formal event.
- The table was set with starched napkins and tablecloths.
- She prefers starched fabrics for her professional wardrobe.
clothing treatment
To starch means to treat fabric with starch to make it crisp and stiff. This technique has been used historically to maintain the appearance of clothing, particularly in formal or professional settings.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- I need to starch my shirt before the interview.
- He starches his suits to keep them looking sharp.
- The laundry service offers to starch all shirts.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Practices
- In some cultures, starched garments are worn for formal events to convey elegance and respect.
- Starched cloth is also used in traditional attire for many ceremonies, highlighting its importance in cultural identity.
- In the 19th century, starching was a common practice among the working class, highlighting the social divide in clothing care.
Science
- Starch is a carbohydrate that is created through photosynthesis in plants, which makes it a food source.
- When heat is applied, starched clothes can become even stiffer due to the heat setting the starch in place.
- Different types of starch (corn, wheat, potato) can create varying levels of stiffness when used in fabrics.
Fashion
- The trend of starching shirts is often linked to a polished, professional appearance, particularly in business attire.
- Fashion designers sometimes incorporate stiff fabrics to create structured silhouettes in modern clothing.
- Starch isnโt just for shirts; many uniforms require starched elements for a crisp look.
Historical Context
- In 18th-century France, starching was so popular that special starch-making businesses emerged, catering to the elite.
- During the Industrial Revolution, machine-made starch became widely available, changing laundry practices for many households.
- Civil War soldiers were often issued starch for their uniforms to maintain a sharp appearance on the battlefield.
Origin of 'starched'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'starch' comes from the Old French word 'estre', which means 'to strengthen' or 'to harden'.
- Starch has been used for centuries, with evidence from ancient Egypt showing it was used for laundering.
- The practice of starched fabric can be traced to 16th-century Europe, where it was popular among the upper classes.
The word 'starched' originates from the Middle English term 'starche', which is derived from the Old French 'estre', a term related to the proto-Germanic 'starhwaz'. The original use of starch was from the early 14th century, where it referred to a starchy substance used in laundering to stiffen fabrics. This method evolved over the centuries, becoming a common practice in maintaining the appearance of fine garments during the height of European fashion in the 18th and 19th centuries. Starching garments was especially popular among the upper classes as a symbol of social status and elegance. The gradual decline in the use of starch in everyday clothing occurred with the rise of more casual fashions in the 20th century, but it remains prevalent in specific contexts like formal wear and hospitality.