Also 5 lynesey, 6 lince, 7–8 linsy. [Possibly f. LINE sb.1 + SAY.]

1

  1.  In early use, perh. some coarse linen fabric. In later use, = LINSEY-WOOLSEY. Also attrib.

2

1435–6.  in Heath, Grocers’ Comp. (1869), 419. xx clothis of lynesey.

3

1583.  Rates Custom-ho., D j b. Lince called blew lince the doz.

4

1771.  Pennant, Tour Scotl. 1769 (1774), 259. Chiefly engaged in manufactures of linsies, worsted stockings [etc.].

5

c. 1826.  Erl Richard, xxiv. in Child, Ballads, II. 463. O haud awa thae linen sheets, And bring to me the linsey clouts I hae been best used in.

6

1881.  Instr. Census Clerks (1885), 64. Woollen Cloth Manufacture. Linsey Weaver.

7

  2.  (See quot.)

8

1883.  Gresley, Gloss. Coal-mining, Linsey, strong Bind, also streaky sandstone.

9