jersey

[jur-zee] /ˈdʒɜr zi/
noun, plural jerseys.
1.
a close-fitting, knitted sweater or shirt.
2.
a plain-knit, machine-made fabric of wool, silk, nylon, rayon, etc., characteristically soft and elastic, used for garments.
3.
(initial capital letter) one of a breed of dairy cattle, raised originally on the island of Jersey, producing milk with a high butterfat content.
Origin
1575-85; after Jersey
Related forms
jerseyed, adjective

Jersey

[jur-zee] /ˈdʒɜr zi/
noun
1.
a British island in the English Channel: the largest of the Channel Islands. 44 sq. mi. (116 sq. km).
Capital: St. Helier.
2.
Informal. New Jersey.
Related forms
Jerseyan, noun, adjective
Jerseyite, noun
Examples from the web for jersey
  • Bellmawr is governed under the borough form of new jersey municipal government.
  • Bergenfield is a borough in bergen county, new jersey, united states.
  • Bergenfield is governed under the borough form of new jersey municipal government.
  • The crown has sovereignty over the isle of man and the bailiwicks of jersey and guernsey.
British Dictionary definitions for jersey

jersey

/ˈdʒɜːzɪ/
noun
1.
a knitted garment covering the upper part of the body
2.
  1. a machine-knitted slightly elastic cloth of wool, silk, nylon, etc, used for clothing
  2. (as modifier): a jersey suit
3.
a football shirt
Word Origin
C16: from Jersey, from the woollen sweaters traditionally worn by the fishermen

Jersey

/ˈdʒɜːzɪ/
noun
1.
an island in the English Channel, the largest of the Channel Islands: forms, with two other islands, the bailiwick of Jersey; colonized from Normandy in the 11th century and still officially French-speaking; noted for finance, market gardening, dairy farming, and tourism. Capital: St Helier. Pop: 95 732 (2013 est). Area: 116 sq km (45 sq miles)
2.
a breed of dairy cattle producing milk with a high butterfat content, originating from the island of Jersey
Word Origin and History for jersey
n.

1580s as a type of knitted cloth; 1842 as a breed of cattle; both from Jersey, one of the Channel Islands. Its name is said to be a corruption of Latin Caesarea, the Roman name for the island (or another near it), influenced by Old English ey "island;" but perhaps rather a Viking name (perhaps meaning "Geirr's island"). The meaning "woolen knitted close-fitting tunic," especially one worn during sporting events, is from 1836.

Encyclopedia Article for jersey

outer garment, usually knitted or crocheted, that is worn on the upper part of the body, either pulled over the head or buttoned down the front or back. Although hand knitting of wool had been practiced for about 2,000 years, it was not until the 15th century that the first knitted shirts or tunics were produced on the English Channel islands of Guernsey and Jersey; hence the English name jersey. The knitted garments were made by the wives of fishermen and sailors from natural wool, which, by retaining its oil, protected against the cold even when damp. The use of the jersey spread throughout Europe, especially among workingmen. In the 1890s it was adopted by athletes in the United States and called a sweater.

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