pe·ter·sham \ˈpēd.ə(r)ˌsham, -_shəm\noun (-s) Etymology: after Charles Stanhope, Lord Petersham died 1851 English colonel 1. a.: a rough nubby woolen cloth used chiefly for men's coats b.: a coat made of such material 2.: a heavy corded ribbon used for belts and hatbands