sericulture

1. (agriculture) The rearing of silkworms for the production of silk.Examples: "Numerous experiments have been made with a view to improving sericulture in India."; "Very soon after sericulture had, by these means, been established, its profits in one year exceeded the large reward given by the state of California. Looking to the character of the population of this Colony [New Zealand], and the manner in which it would probably be settled, the promotion of sericulture was a most important object, as affording a prospect of useful employment to a large number of persons."; "It appears to me that under existing circumstances there are just two courses open to us, namely, either to enter heart and hand into the task of extending and improving the Silk culture of the country, or to let things go on as they are until, as lately in France, the worms die out altogether and sericulture in India becomes a thing of the past. [...] There are men in the country who are perfectly willing to devote their time and attention to sericulture, provided they can obtain assistance in procuring species and a few judicious hints for their guidance."Synonyms: sericicultureuncountableusually