n. [ F. flanelle, cf. OF. flaine a pillowcase, a mattress (?); fr. W. gwlanen flannel, fr. gwlan wool; prob. akin to E. wool. Cf. Wool. ] 1. A soft, nappy, woolen cloth, of loose texture. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. a cotton fabric with a thick nap on one side, resembling flannel{ 1 }; it is used, e. g. for underwear or sheets; also called flanellette. [ PJC ] 3. pl. garments made of flannel, especially underwear. [ PJC ] 4. a washcloth. [ Brit. ] [ PJC ] 5. humbug; nonsensical or evasive talk. [ Brit. informal ] [ PJC ] 6. insincere flattery or praise. [ Brit. informal ] [ PJC ] Adam's flannel. (Bot.) See under Adam. -- Canton flannel, Cotton flannel. See Cotton flannel, under Cotton. [ 1913 Webster ]
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