in commerce, a species of linen made of flax, very fine and white; the name of which was originally derived from the city of Cambrey, where they were first manufactured. They are now made at other places in France. The manufacture of cambrics hath long since proved of extraordinary advantage to France. For many years it appeared that England did not in this article contribute less than 200,000l. per annum to the interest of France. This proved motive sufficient to induce the parliament of Great Britain to enact many salutary laws to prevent this great loss of our wealth. See 18 Geo. II. c. 38. and 21 Geo. II. c. 26. See also stat. 32 Geo. II. c. 32. and 4 Geo. III. c. 37. which regulates the cambric manufactory, not long since introduced into Winchelsea in Sussex; but very soon abolished. The cambrics now allowed in this country are manufactured in Scotland and Ireland. Any persons convicted of wearing, selling (except for exportation), or making up for hire any cambric or French lawns, are liable to a penalty of 5l. by the two first statutes cited above.