FUSTIAN  , a

term which includes a variety of heavy woven cotton fabrics, chiefly prepared for men's wear . It embraces plain twilled cloth called jean, and cut fabrics similar to velvet, known as velveteen, moleskin, corduroy, &c . The term was once applied to a coarse cloth made of cotton and flax; now, fustians are usually of cotton and dyed various colours . In the reign of Edward III. the name was given to a woollen fabric . The name is said to be derived from El-Fustat, a suburb of Cairo, where it was first made; and certainly a kind of cloth has long been known under that name . In a petition to parliament, temp . Philip and Mary, " fustian of Naples " is mentioned . In the 13th and 14th centuries priests' robes and women's dresses were made of fustian, but though dresses are still made from some kinds the chief use is for labourers' clothes .