rag trade

noun Slang.

the garment, clothing, or fashion industry.
Also called rag business.

Origin of rag trade

First recorded in 1835–45

OTHER WORDS FROM rag trade

rag trader, noun

Words nearby rag trade

rag bolt, rag doll, rag gourd, rag paper, rag rug, rag trade, rag-and-bone man, rag-rolling, raga, ragamuffin, ragbag

Example sentences from the Web for rag business

  • There is, in Galveston a new-invented trade, called “the rag-trade,” which is very profitable.

    Travels and Adventures of Monsieur Violet |Captain Marryat

  • There is in Galveston a new-invented trade, called "the rag-trade," which is very profitable.

    Monsieur Violet |Frederick Marryat

British Dictionary definitions for rag business

rag trade

noun

informal the clothing business, esp the aspects concerned with the manufacture and sale of dresses