‖ éponge|epɔ̃ʒ| [Fr., = sponge.] Sponge cloth (cf. ratine). 1928Daily Express 11 July 5/5 For a bathing-coat try to find flowery éponge or any other bright fabric.1952C. W. Cunnington Eng. Wom. Clothes Pres.Cent. 294 Eponge, a soft, loose fabric of cotton, wool or silk; similar to ratine.