Nan*keen" (?), n. [So called from its being originally manufactured at Nankin, in China.] [Written also nankin.] 1. A species of cloth, of a firm texture, originally brought from China, made of a species of cotton (Gossypium religiosum) that is naturally of a brownish yellow color quite indestructible and permanent.

2. An imitation of this cloth by artificial coloring.

3. pl. Trousers made of nankeen. Ld. Lytton.

• a type of cotton cloth originally from Nanking in China.