Silk, n.
n. [A-S. seolc, seoloc, Icel. silki, Sw. & Dan. silke, from Lat. sericum, Seric stuff, silk. See SERICEOUS.]
Sense 1. The fine, soft thread produced by various species of caterpillars in the form of a cocoon, within which the worm is inclosed during the pupa state, especially that produced by the larvæ of Bombyx mori.
Sense 2. Hence, thread spun, or cloth woven, from the above-named material.
Sense 3. That which resembles silk, as the filiform styles of the female flower of maize.
Raw silk, silk as it is wound off from the cocoons, and before it is manufactured. — Silk gown, the dress and badge of one who has been appointed king's or queen's counsel. Such a one has certain rights of precedence over the junior barristers, who wear stuff gowns. Lord Campbell. — Virginia silk (Bot.), a climbing plant (the Periploca Græca), having the seed covered with a silky tuft, like the milk-weed.