from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Axminster \Ax"min*ster\, n., or Axminster carpet \Axminster
carpet\ .
(a) [More fully chenille Axminster.] A variety of Turkey
carpet, woven by machine or, when more than 27 inches
wide, on a hand loom, and consisting of strips of worsted
chenille so colored as to produce a pattern on a stout
jute backing. It has a fine soft pile. So called from
Axminster, England, where it was formerly (1755 -- 1835)
made.
(b) A similar but cheaper machine-made carpet, resembling
moquette in construction and appearance, but finer and of
better material.
[Webster 1913 Suppl.]