What is "adam's flannel"

Flannel \Flan"nel\ (fl[a^]n"n[e^]l), n. [F. flanelle, cf. OF. flaine a pillowcase, a mattress (?); fr. W. gwlanen flannel, fr. gwlan wool; prob. akin to E. wool. Cf. Wool.]

1. A soft, nappy, woolen cloth, of loose texture.
   --Shak.

2. a cotton fabric with a thick nap on one side, resembling flannel[1]; it is used, e. g. for underwear or sheets; also called flanellette.

3. pl. garments made of flannel, especially underwear.

4. a washcloth. [Brit.]

5. humbug; nonsensical or evasive talk. [Brit. informal]

6. insincere flattery or praise. [Brit. informal]

   Adam's flannel. (Bot.) See under Adam.

   Canton flannel, Cotton flannel. See Cotton flannel, under Cotton.

Adam \Ad"am\, n.

1. The name given in the Bible to the first man, the progenitor of the human race.

2. (As a symbol) ``Original sin;'' human frailty. And whipped the offending Adam out of him. --Shak. Adam's ale, water. [Coll.] Adam's apple.

   1. (Bot.)

      1. A species of banana ( Musa paradisiaca). It attains a height of twenty feet or more.
         --Paxton.

      2. A species of lime ( Citris limetta).

   2. The projection formed by the thyroid cartilage in the neck. It is particularly prominent in males, and is so called from a notion that it was caused by the forbidden fruit (an apple) sticking in the throat of our first parent.

      Adam's flannel (Bot.), the mullein ( Verbascum thapsus).

      Adam's needle (Bot.), the popular name of a genus ( Yucca) of liliaceous plants.

n. The mullein (''Verbascum thapsus'').