a road made of logs laid crosswise
"The ancient corduroy road stretched across the valley, its parallel logs worn smooth by centuries of travelers' boots."
A heavy fabric, usually made of cotton, with vertical ribs.
"She decided to buy a pair of corduroy pants for the chilly autumn weather because their soft texture was perfect against her skin."
build (a road) from logs laid side by side
"The early settlers corduroyed the muddy riverbank so their wagons could cross without getting stuck in the sludge."
To make (a road) by laying down split logs or tree-trunks over a marsh, swamp etc.
"The ancient engineers corduroyed the treacherous marsh to create a sturdy path for their wagons."