take silk Definition

silk
noun

1. A fine soft fibre produced by the larva of the silkworm.
2. A similar fibre produced by another insect or spider.
3. An imitation (also called artificial silk) made by forcing a viscous solution of modified cellulose through small holes.
4. Thread or fabric made from such fibres.
5. A garment made from such fabric.
6a. The silk gown worn by a Queen's or King's Counsel;
6b. The rank conferred by this. Also as adj.

Example: a silk blouse

Idiom: take silk

Said of a barrister: to be appointed a Queen's or King's Counsel.

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon seolc, from Latin sericum.