Definition: fustian

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Source: WordNet (r) 1.7

fustian
     n 1: pompous or pretentious talk or writing [syn: bombast, rant,
           claptrap, blah]
     2: a strong cotton and linen fabric with a slight nap

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Fustian \Fus"tian\, n. [OE. fustan, fustian, OF. fustaine, F.
   futaine, It. fustagno, fr. LL. fustaneum, fustanum; cf. Pr.
   fustani, Sp. fustan. So called from Fust[=a]t, i. e., Cairo,
   where it was made.]
   1. A kind of coarse twilled cotton or cotton and linen stuff,
      including corduroy, velveteen, etc.

   2. An inflated style of writing; a kind of writing in which
      high-sounding words are used,' above the dignity of the
      thoughts or subject; bombast.

            Claudius . . . has run his description into the most
            wretched fustian.                     --Addison.
Fustian \Fus"tian\, a.
   1. Made of fustian.

   2. Pompous; ridiculously tumid; inflated; bombastic; as,
      fustian history. --Walpole.