Cambric, in commerce, a species of very fine white linen, made of flax, which derives its name from Cambray, a city of France, where it was first invented. This article has long been an object of considerable advantage to the French, who formerly drew large, sums annually from England by its sale : hence the British Parliament was induced to pass several laws to prevent this loss of our national wealth ; and, among others, the 18 Geo. II. c. 36, and 21 Geo. II. c. 26, which impose a penalty of 5l. on all who are convicted of wearing, selling, or making up for hire, any cambric or French lawns) which, however, are allowed to be exported. - A cambric manufactory was established some years since at Winchelsea, in Sussex, to regulate which the statutes of the 32 Geo. II. c. 32, and 4 Geo. III. c. 37, were passed; but it was very soon relinquished, and the manu-tacture carried into Scotland and Ireland, whence we are now supplied with that article.