Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - chiffon

 I. noun  Etymology: French, literally, rag, from chiffe old rag, alteration of Middle French chipe, from Middle English chip chip  Date: 1765  1. an ornamental addition (as a knot of ribbons) to a woman's dress  2. a sheer fabric especially of silk  II. adjective  Date: 1903  1. resembling ~ in sheerness or softness  2. having a light delicate texture achieved usually by adding whipped egg whites or whipped gelatin lemon ~ pie