Tissue. [From Fr. tissure, to weave] A woven fabric. In former times a very fine fabric, richly colored or ornamented, and often shot with gold threads; now, any light, gauzy material, such as is used for veils, or, more indefinitely, any woven fabric of fine quality. The cloth is frequently mentioned by the old historians as being used in pageants, tournaments, and the like, as though the fabric was designed for display rather than for personal service. The very thin smooth paper which still goes by the name of tissue-paper was originally made to be put between the folds of this rich stuff to prevent fraying or tarnishing when laid by.