Percale. [A French term signifying cambric muslin, ox cotton cambric, as distinguished from linen cambric] A kind of cambric very closely and firmly woven, with a round thread, and containing more dressing than ordinary muslin, but without the glossy finish of cambric; it is printed in fancy patterns on white and colored grounds. Percale was introduced into the United States in 1865. [See Mill-raye, Shirting]