French word

haillon

Pronunciation

IPA/ajɔ̃/

Meaning

  • masculine nounrag

Example

Ce vieux manteau n'est qu'un haillon.

This old coat is nothing but a rag.

Illustration for haillon (rag)

More examples

Le mendiant était en haillons sur le trottoir.

The beggar was in rags on the sidewalk.

Core concept

A flimsy, dirty scrap of cloth hanging from a worn-out coat or shabby object.

Common phrases

  • mendiant en haillons

    beggar in rags

  • habillé de haillons

    dressed in rags

Similar words

guenille: A worn-out old cloth or garment reduced to a ragged state.
loque: A ripped cloth or garment left limp and hanging in tatters.
chiffon: A small cloth scrap or an old, soft rag for wiping.

Definition in French

Fragment de tissu vieux et sale; par extension, vêtement très abîmé ou objet délabré.

Word origin

Haillon comes from Middle French haillon, used for a rag, with the meaning later extending to worn clothing and dilapidated things.

Usage tips

  • Haillon is masculine, and clothing is commonly described with the plural en haillons; the singular can sound strongly insulting when applied to a person.

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