Che*nille" (sh&esl;*nēl"), n. [F., prop., a caterpillar.] Tufted cord, of silk or worsted, for the trimming of ladies' dresses, for embroidery and fringes, and for the weft of Chenille rugs.

• an extremely soft and bunchy fabric often used to make sweaters
  
  French
• caterpillar
  
• chenille