This section is from the "A Complete Dictionary of Dry Goods" book, by George S. Cole. Also available from Amazon: A complete dictionary of dry goods and history of silk, cotton, linen, wool and other fibrous substances,: Including a full explanation of the modern processes ... together with various useful tables.
Blouse. A light, loose upper garment, made of linen or cotton, worn by men as a protection from dust or in the place of a coat; also a loosely fitting dress-body worn by women and children. A blue linen blouse is the common dress of French workingmen. [See Smock-Frock.]
 
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