brilliantine

noun

smooth, lustrous, lightweight, mixed-fibre fabric popular from the mid-19th century into the early 20th century

Pronunciation: /ˈbrɪl.jən.tiːn/

Etymology: Etymology tree French brillantinebor. English brilliantine Borrowed from French brillantine.

A hair pomade, making the hair shine brilliantly.
“The hairdresser's shop was warm and glittering. It smelled of soap and burnt paper and wallflower brilliantine.”
“"I wouldn't regret it," said Linda, "if I took Eileen by the shoulders and shook her till I shook the rouge off her cheek, and the brilliantine off her hair, and a million mean little subterfuges out of her soul.”
A smooth shiny, luxurious fabric, often of alpaca or vicuña.
“Bathing Suit of Brilliantine in Navy Blue and Black, trimmed with white mohair braid and buttons (no bloomers). Special 3.95”

Etymology: Etymology tree French brillantinebor. English brilliantine Borrowed from French brillantine.

To apply brilliantine to the hair.
“And the waiter, of course, dips his fingers into the gravy—his nasty, greasy fingers which he is for ever running through his brilliantined hair.”