The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Gauze \Gauze\ (g[add]z), n. [F. gaze; so called because it was
   first introduced from Gaza, a city of Palestine.]
   A very thin, slight, transparent stuff, generally of silk;
   also, any fabric resembling silk gauze; as, wire gauze;
   cotton gauze.
   [1913 Webster]

   Gauze dresser, one employed in stiffening gauze.
      [1913 Webster]

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Gauze \Gauze\, a.
   Having the qualities of gauze; thin; light; as, gauze merino
   underclothing.
   [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

gauze
    n 1: (medicine) bleached cotton cloth of plain weave used for
         bandages and dressings [syn: gauze, gauze bandage]
    2: a net of transparent fabric with a loose open weave [syn:
       gauze, netting, veiling]