E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Diaper.
A sort of cloth, a corruption of D’Ypres, where it is largely manufactured. Similarly we have calico from Calicut; nankeen from Nankin; worsted from Worsted, in Norfolk; and half a score other similar words. The French diapré, variegated, seems far
more likely to be the source of this word, for diaper is cloth variegated with flowers, etc., like damask.
