Also 8 estemine, estamina. See also ÉTAMINE. [a. Fr. estamine (now étamine), corresp. to Sp. estameña, Pg. estamenha, It. stamigna:—late L. *stāminia, L. stāminea, fem. of stāmineus made of thread, f. stāmen warp, thread. The form estamina is perh. a. Sp.]
An open woollen fabric, used for making sieves, etc.; see quot. 1883. In 18th c. also applied to some silk fabric, presumably of similar texture.
1701. Lond. Gaz., No. 3701/4. All sorts of Mercery Goods, viz. … Estemines, Russels Rashes … Antharines … will be sold by Auction.
1750. Beawes, Lex Mercat. (1752), 693. Woollens, such as Estaminas, Druggets, Serges, Flannels, Crapes. Ibid., 704. From England … Estaminas wide and well calendered, brown and green. Ibid., 706. From Italy.… Silk Estaminas.
1892. Simmonds, Dict. Trade, Estamin, a woollen stuff made in Prussia, used for cartridges, sackcloth, plush caps, &c.
