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.
Ply. A fold; a thickness. A term often used to designate the number of strands of which yarn is made.
P. M. An abbreviation of "premium money." The letters are used to mark goods which have become shop-worn or are slow sale, indicating that the salesman will be paid a premium for disposing of them, usually a certain per cent.
 
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