Dictionary entry

Fabric

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Fab″ric (?), n. [L. fabrica fabric, workshop: cf. F. fabrique fabric. See Forge.] 1. The structure of anything; the manner in which the parts of a thing are united; workmanship; texture; make; as cloth of a beautiful fabric.

2. That which is fabricated; as: (a) Framework; structure; edifice; building.

Anon out of the earth a fabric huge

Rose like an exhalation. Milton.

(b) Cloth of any kind that is woven or knit from fibers, either vegetable or animal; manufactured cloth; as, silks or other fabrics.

3. The act of constructing; construction.

Tithe was received by the bishop,... for the fabric of the churches for the poor. Milman.

4. Any system or structure consisting of connected parts; as, the fabric of the universe.

The whole vast fabric of society. Macaulay.