DCHP-3

duffle

[< Duffel, a town near Antwerp]
DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

Spelling variants:
duffles

Entry from the DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

This entry may contain outdated or offensive information, terms, and examples.

1n.

a very closely woven woollen cloth.

Quotations

1674
Ordered . . . that Mr. Holmes provide 4 pieces of duffals. . . .
1896
The Indian gets his duffel by the yard, and when he has cut it into strips--about six inches wide by eighteen inches long his socks are completed.
1954
Red Duffle all gone long ago, Blankets nearly so.
1958
When it is warmer, he wears a parka of duffel. . . .
2an. — (usually plural)

a warm ankle-length sock, or liner, of duffle worn inside moccasins, mukluks, etc. and usually folded down at the top.

See: duffle sock(def. 1)(def. 2)

Quotations

1913
No matter how careful he is, there is bound to be more or less moisture in his moccasins and duffels (socks made in the shape of moccasins out of blanket material, and worn over light stockings and under heavy outside ones) and if they are not dried out daily sore feet are sure to be the result.
1964
An inner shoe, known as "duffle," is worn in cold weather, as well as ordinary woolen socks.
2bn. — (usually plural)

a long stocking of duffle worn over inner socks inside moccasins, mukluks, etc.

Quotations

1884
Before going to bed, dry duffels moccasins and duffels are put on the feet, the leggings and over coat taken off, the cap tied on firmly and sometimes it is a case of shiver all night.
1926
The duffels reached up to the knee and were tied there to keep the snow out. Moccasins were worn over the duffels.
1962
In the winter the children wore coats made of Hudson's Bay blankets with a strip of leather for a belt, leggings called "duffels" made of blanket cloth, with moccasins over them, and woollen caps pulled down over their ears.
3n.

personal belongings such as were carried in a duffle-bag; personal gear carried on the trail.

Quotations

1938
Perhaps Harry Paull had a pack of cards somewhere in his duffle, but he did not carry a gun.
1964
They emptied the canoe of duffle and food and eagerly ran the rapids
4n.

a large bag of heavy cloth or canvas, used for carrying personal belongings.

Quotations

1946
Duffles are packed and we are still sitting about. . . .
1957
In the next moment he had let his duffel slip off his shoulder and over his head.