Definition of the word draper

The origin of the word "draper" can be traced back to the Middle Ages, when drapery referred to luxurious materials used for clothing, such as silk, velvet, and brocade. Drapers were skilled merchants and artisans who imported, sold, and crafted these high-end fabrics. The term "draper" comes from the Old French word "drap" meaning "cloth" or "textile." In early medieval England, drapers were often members of guilds, organizations that regulated their trade and protected their economic interests. The Drapers' Company, one of the oldest livery companies in the City of London, was founded in the 14th century and continues to support charitable causes and promote the drapery trade today. Overall, the evolution of the word "draper" reflects the rich history of textile production and commerce dating back to the Middle Ages.