Quabbs
Quabbs is a rare and largely obsolete term, primarily found in historical texts related to the textile industry, specifically in the context of weaving. It generally refers to an imperfection or flaw in woven fabric. While the precise nature of the flaw isn't consistently defined across all sources, "Quabbs" often describes imperfections like uneven threads, lumps, knots, or areas of weakness in the weave.
The term is most likely of regional or dialectal origin, and its usage has significantly diminished over time, replaced by more standardized and descriptive terms for textile defects. Finding a precise etymological origin for "Quabbs" proves difficult due to its limited usage and the relative scarcity of detailed documentation about specific weaving terminology from past centuries. Its relevance today is primarily historical, appearing occasionally in discussions about textile history, antique fabrics, or the interpretation of older documents concerning textile production.