mohair

mohair, hair of the Angora goat or a large group of fabrics made from it, either wholly or in combination with wool, silk, or cotton. The Angora goat, native of Asia Minor for 2,000 years, is bred in other lands, e.g., the SW United States and South Africa. Mohair is cool, firm, and resistant to dust and moisture. The fiber is especially valuable in the manufacture of sweaters, upholstery plushes, heavy cloaking, and “fur” cloths such as astrakhan.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2024, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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