DiaperA sort of cloth, a corruption of D'Ypres, where it is largely manufactured. Similarly we have calico from Calicut; nankeen from Nankin; worsted from Worsted, in Norfolk; and half a score other similar words. The French diapré, variegated, seems far more likely to be the source of this word, for diaper is cloth variegated with flowers, etc., like damask. Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894 More on Diaper from Infoplease:
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