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burlap

 - 3 dictionary results

bur⋅lap

[bur-lap] noun, verb, -lapped, -lap⋅ping.
–noun
1. a plain-woven, coarse fabric of jute, hemp, or the like; gunny.
2. a lightweight fabric made in imitation of this.
–verb (used with object)
3. to wrap with burlap: to burlap and tie a newly dug tree.

Origin:
1685–95; earlier borelap, equiv. to bore(l) coarse cloth (see bureau ) + lap 1
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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bur·lap   (bûr'lāp')   
n.  A strong, coarsely woven cloth made of fibers of jute, flax, or hemp and used to make bags, to reinforce linoleum, and in interior decoration.

[Origin unknown.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

burlap 
1695, probably from M.E. borel "coarse cloth," from O.Fr. burel (see bureau); or Du. boeren "coarse," perhaps confused with boer "peasant." The second element, -lap, meaning "piece of cloth."
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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