Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Gossamer \Gos"sa*mer\, n. [OE. gossomer, gossummer, gosesomer,
   perh. for goose summer, from its downy appearance, or perh.
   for God's summer, cf. G. mariengarr gossamer, properly Mary's
   yarn, in allusion to the Virgin Mary. Perhaps the E. word
   alluded to a legend that the gossamer was the remnant of the
   Virgin Mary's winding sheet, which dropped from her when she
   was taken up to heaven. For the use of summer in the sense of
   film or threads, cf. G. M["a]dchensommer, Altweibersommer,
   fliegender Sommer, all meaning, gossamer.]
   1. A fine, filmy substance, like cobwebs, floating in the
      air, in calm, clear weather, especially in autumn. It is
      seen in stubble fields and on furze or low bushes, and is
      formed by small spiders.

   2. Any very thin gauzelike fabric; also, a thin waterproof
      stuff.

   3. An outer garment, made of waterproof gossamer.

   {Gossamer spider} (Zo["o]l.), any small or young spider which
      spins webs by which to sail in the air. See {Ballooning
      spider}.