Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word
plain work. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
plain work, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
plain work in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
plain work you have here. The definition of the word
plain work will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
plain work, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Alternative forms
Etymology
From plain + work.
Noun
plain work (uncountable)
- Basic, non-ornamental work; specifically (now (historical)) simple needlework.
1677, Hannah Woolley, The Compleat Servant-Maid, London: T. Passinger, page 62:If you would fit your self to serve a Gentle woman only, (either in City or Country) you must not only learn how to dress, wash and starch very well, all manner of Tiffanies, Lawns, Points and Laces, and to mend the same, but you must learn to work all sorts of Needle work and plain work […]
1723, Charles Walker, Memoirs of Sally Salisbury, section I:Sally was put Apprentice to a Sempstress in Duke's-Place near Aldgate, to learn Plain-Work, &c.
1818, [Mary Shelley], Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus. , volumes (please specify |volume=I to III), London: for Lackington, Hughes, Harding, Mavor, & Jones, →OCLC:She procured plain work; she plaited straw and by various means contrived to earn a pittance scarcely sufficient to support life.
- (masonry) Smooth stonework without decoration or ornamentation.