FAILLE

Set to 3 different clues across 3 published puzzles, most often “Soft, transversely ribbed fabric” — The New York Times, Saturday, 17 February 2007.

6 letters

Every clue on record, most used first

Soft, transversely ribbed fabriconce
The New York Times — Saturday, 17 February 2007
Silken fabriconce
The New York Times — Thursday, 20 May 1999
Ribbed silk fabriconce
The New York Times — Sunday, 9 January 1994