Madras. A large handkerchief of silk and cotton, usually in bright colors, used by the negroes in the West India islands and elsewhere for turbans. Madras lace is a variety of thin, curtain material, often printed in colors. Madras work is simple embroidery done upon bright colored madras handkerchiefs, the embroidery emphasizing the pattern of the stuff. These embroideries are used for banner-screens and furniture coverings.