Rep,rip,repp, orreps is acloth woven in fine cords or ribs across the width of a piece, usually made ofsilk,wool, orcotton. The name is said to have been adapted from theFrenchreps, a word of unknown origin; it has also been suggested that it is a corruption ofrib. In silk it is used fordresses,neckties, and to some extent, forecclesiasticalvestments. In wool and cotton it is used for variousupholstery purposes.
This article incorporates text from a publication now in thepublic domain: Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Rep".Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 23 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. p. 105.