Also 7–8 borelaps, -lapps. [Etymology uncertain. (Cf. Du. boenlap ‘rubbing-clout, linen’ Calisch; the first component may have been confused with boer peasant.)]
Originally perhaps a sort of holland; now a coarse canvas made of jute or hemp, used for bagging; also, a finer material used for curtains.
1695–6. Act 7 & 8 Will. III., x. § 16. Course Linnens commonly called Borelapps.
1696. J. F., Merchants Wareho., 2. I shall begin with Bore-laps; because that for Shifts or Shirts is counted and known to be a very strong Cloth.
1871. Napheys, Prev. & Cure Dis., III. iv. 725. Pack them in large burlaps.
1880. N. H. Bishop, 4 Months in Sneak-Box, 15. Captain George Bogart … affectionately sewed her [the duck boat] up in a covering of burlap.
