oddments
UK: ˈɒdmənts | US: ˈɑːdmənts
n. miscellaneous leftover items or remnants
n. small, irregular, or unused pieces of fabric or material
The word "oddments" combines "odd," derived from Old Norse "oddi" (meaning "point of a weapon" or "triangle," later evolving to mean "uneven" or "irregular"), with the suffix "-ments," a plural noun-forming suffix. Originally used in weaving and textile industries, it referred to leftover fabric scraps of irregular sizes. Over time, it broadened to describe any miscellaneous remnants or unused items. The term reflects the practical categorization of irregular or residual objects.
The tailor sold oddments of fabric at a discount.
She collected oddments from old projects to reuse in her artwork.
The box was filled with oddments like buttons, ribbons, and broken jewelry.
Oddments of wood were piled in the corner of the workshop.
The store’s clearance section had oddments from last season’s inventory.