More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)

utility

Term during and after World War II (in use 1941–51) for clothes and household goods made to a government-approved standard, designed to make the most of scarce resources. They were identified by a utility mark – two circles with a wedge removed from each, and the figures 41 representing the year of its introduction.