[mass noun]woven or felted fabric made from wool, cotton, or a similar fibre (羊毛、棉等)布,织物;毡 a broad piece of pleated cloth. 一块打褶宽布。 [as modifier]a cloth bag. 布包。 ■[count noun]a piece of cloth for a particular purpose, such as a dishcloth or a tablecloth 有专门用途的布(如抹布、桌布) wipe clean with a damp cloth. 用湿抹布擦干净。 ■[count noun]a variety of cloth 布料
(the cloth)the clergy; the clerical profession 神职人员;神职 has he given up all ideas of the cloth?. 他是否已放弃所有奉神职的念头?。
语源
Old English clãth, related to Dutch kleed and German Kleid, of unknown ultimate origin