plush

Plush (from French peluche) is a textile having a cut nap or pile the same as fustian or velvet. Originally the pile of plush consisted of mohair or worsted yarn, but now silk by itself or with a cotton backing is used for plush, the distinction from velvet being found in the longer and less dense pile of plush. The soft material is largely used for upholstery and furniture purposes, and is also much employed in dress and millinery. Modern plush are commonly manufactured from synthetic fibres such as polyester. One of the largest uses of this fabric is in the production of toys, with small stuffed animals made from plush fabric, such as teddy bears. The French term for "teddy bear" is ours en peluche. Plush is also one of the main materials for the construction of designer toys.