barracan

[In Dan. barcan; Ger. berk an; M. H. Ger. barkan, barragan; Fr. barracan, baracan, bouracan, Prov. barracan; Sp. barragan, baragan; Port. barregana; Ital. baracane; Low Lat. barracan us; from Arab. barrakân, barkán = a kind of black gown. Mahn compares with this Pers. barak = a garment made of camel's hair; Arab. bark = a troop of camels; bârik = camel.] Comm. A kind of thick strong cloth or stuff resembling camlet. It is used to make different kinds of outer garments. Barracans are chiefly of French manufacture, being made at Valenciennes, Lisle, Abbeville, Amiens, and Rouen.