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HESSIAN
Noun
hessian (countable and uncountable, plural hessians)
A strong, coarse fabric made from hemp or jute, often used for making sacks.
Synonym: burlap
Anagrams
• shenais
Etymology
Adjective
Hessian (comparative more Hessian, superlative most Hessian)
Of, from or relating to Hesse in Germany.
Of or relating to the German mathematician Otto Hesse (1811–1874).
Noun
Hessian (countable and uncountable, plural Hessians)
A native or inhabitant of Hesse.
(historical) A mercenary soldier, especially a German one who fought with the British in the American Revolutionary War.
A boot with a low heel and semi-pointed toe, which became popular, initially among the military, in the 18th century.
(chiefly, British) Burlap, jute.
(mathematics) Hessian matrix.
Anagrams
• shenais
Source: Wiktionary
Hes"sian, a.
Definition: Of or relating to Hesse, in Germany, or to the Hessians. Hessian boots, or Hessians, boot of a kind worn in England, in the early part of the nineteenth century, tasseled in front. Thackeray.
– Hessian cloth, or Hessians, a coarse hempen cloth for sacking.
– Hessian crucible. See under Crucible.
– Hessian fly (Zoöl.), a small dipterous fly or midge (Cecidomyia destructor). Its larvæ live between the base of the lower leaves and the stalk of wheat, and are very destructive to young wheat; -- so called from the erroneous idea that it was brought into America by the Hessian troops, during the Revolution.
Hes"sian, n.
1. A native or inhabitant of Hesse.
2. A mercenary or venal person. [U. S.]
Note: This use is a relic of the patriot hatred of the Hessian mercenaries who served with the British troops in the Revolutionary War.
3. pl.
Definition: See Hessian boots and cloth, under Hessian, a.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition
Recent Word Finds
Word of the Day
31 March 2025
IMPROVISED
(adjective) done or made using whatever is available; “crossed the river on improvised bridges”; “the survivors used jury-rigged fishing gear”; “the rock served as a makeshift hammer”
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