n. [ So called from its being originally manufactured at Nankin (Nanjing), 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. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. An imitation of this cloth by artificial coloring. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. pl. Trousers made of nankeen. Ld. Lytton. [ 1913 Webster ]

Nankeen bird (Zool.), the Australian night heron (Nycticorax Caledonicus); -- called also quaker. [ 1913 Webster ]