[F., corruptly ad. Hungarian szuszak a pendant curl of hair, etc.] A narrow flat ornamental braid of wool, silk, or the like, usually sewn upon fabrics in fanciful designs.
1856. Mrs. Pullan, Lady’s Dict. Needlework, 52. Soutache, A French name for very pretty ornamental braids.
1859. Ladies’ Cabinet, Dec., 335/2. When trimmed with gold or silver soutache,… the Zouave is eminently graceful and coquettish.
1879. Sylvia’s Embroidery Bk., 253. The blue medallion is outlined with soutache.
attrib. 1882. Caulfeild & Saward, Dict. Needlework, 453/2. Soutache Braids … are very narrow silk braids,… having an openwork centre.
Hence Soutached a., fancifully braided.
1860. Ladies’ Gaz. Fashion, March, 22/3. Zouave jackets of cloth soutached with silk.
