n. [ F. matras; perh. so called from its long narrow neck; cf. OF. matras large arrow, L. materis, mataris, matara, a Celtic javelin, pike; of Celtic origin. ] (Chem.) A round-bottomed glass flask having a long neck; a bolthead. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ So named after Madras, a city and presidency of India. ] 1. A large silk-and-cotton kerchief, usually of bright colors, such as those often used by negroes for turbans.

A black woman in blue cotton gown, red-and-yellow madras turban . . . crouched against the wall. G. W. Cable. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

2. A light patterned cotton fabric. [ WordNet 1.5 ]