Definition of duvet

The word "duvet" is derived from the Dutch word "duwe," which translates to "down" in English. The origin of the word can be traced back to the 17th century, when the Dutch were the leading producers of down-filled bedding. At that time, bedding filled with down quills was becoming increasingly popular in Europe due to its warmth and lightweight nature. However, the quills were often separated by fabric, known as a "lompe" in Dutch, which made it difficult to distribute the down evenly and hold its shape. To combat this, the Dutch created a quilted case, known as a "duwekooi," which translated literally to "down bag," to enclose the quills. The duweiakooi could be easily filled with down and the quilted construction ensured that the down was evenly distributed. The popularity of duweiakooi spread to other European countries, including France and England, where it was also known as a "comforter." However, in the early 20th century, the popularity of down-filled bedding declined due to concerns over the spread of diseases such as tuberculosis. The use of synthetic materials in bedding filled the gap until the 1960s, when interest in down-filled bedding returned. The Dutch word "duwe" was then anglicized to "duvet" to describe the down-filled comforter, rather than the quilted case itself. Today, the word "duvet" is commonly used to refer to the whole down-filled comforter, including its cover, making it a popular choice for those seeking warmth and lightness in their bedding.