Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun Sheets, pillow-cases, etc., originally always of linen, now sometimes of cotton.

Etymologies

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Examples

  • The house is immaculate, windows gleam, mirrors shine and the bed-linen is clean, crisp, white and edged with crochet lace — and a homemade meal is ready, the table laid — just so (tablecloth freshly ironed, of course) — when the breadwinner returns.

    Domesticity 2010

  • Kelly Hoppen, a British designer with collections by Century Furniture and bed-linen company Sferra, bought this apartment in a former Victorian school about two years ago.

    Looking Over London 2008

  • I am told that it did not flourish long, which is often the case with us; but I found it still in its full splendour: the new furniture emitted cracks like pistol-shots at night; the bed-linen, table-cloths, and napkins smelt of soap, and the painted floors reeked of olive oil, which, however, in the opinion of the waiter, an exceedingly elegant but not very clean individual, tended to prevent the spread of insects.

    A Desperate Character 2006

  • The old corridor attendant comes in and asks whether I have brought my bed-linen.

    The Wife 2004

  • The pallor of his face nearly matched the white bed-linen, and his dark hair and heavy black moustache were like dashes of ink on a clean page.

    The Romantic Adventures of a Milkmaid 2003

  • "There's something about a proper bed made up with proper bed-linen,"

    Unwanted Wedding Jordan, Penny 1995

  • There was the familiar oblong of light cast by the moon through her bedroom window, the familiar pale colours of her simply deco rated bedroom with its white bed-linen, its plain, light-coloured walls and carpet, slightly stark against the darkness of the room's oak beams.

    Yesterday's Echoes Jordan, Penny 1993

  • It was growing dark by the time they arrived, and the bustle of kindling fire and torches, and unloading the bed-linen and stores from the sumpter ponies went on into the night.

    A Rare Benedictine Peters, Ellis, 1913- 1988

  • Feeling returned to his arms and shoulders and pushing back the bed-linen, he forced himself to a sitting position and massaged his legs until he felt the blood begin to flow.

    Last Sword Of Power Gemmell, David 1988

  • So, when we moved out to the strawberry-pink villa and the problem of bed-linen arose, Mother told Spiro about our cases languishing in the Customs, and asked his advice.

    My Family and Other Animals Durrell, Gerald, 1925- 1956

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