Undercloth

Pronunciation varies by accent · noun

Meaning

A tablecloth laid directly on the table, over which are placed other coverings such as an additional tablecloth that allows the undercloth to show through, or an additional tablecloth that completely covers the undercloth when it is used for stability or noise muffling, or simple mats that provide additional protection..

Definitions by Sense

1. A tablecloth laid directly on the table, over which are placed other coverings such as an additional tablecloth that allows the undercloth to show through, or an additional tablecloth that completely covers the undercloth when it is used for stability or noise muffling, or simple mats that provide additional protection.
2. (more generally) A protective cloth that goes underneath something.
3. A cloth that is placed beneath a saddle.
4. A cloth on which a body rests as bedding.
5. The lower of two cloths that together perform some function.
6. A cloth that is used as a base surface for some type of work, including cases where it is incorporated into the work.
7. A fabric lining, especially one that adheres to the cloth that shows.
8. A type of fabric intended to be used as an undercloth.

Example Sentences

Cover the table with an undercloth of felting or of canton flannel, or with a clean cotton blanket, to protect the table, to lessen noise, and to improve the appearance of the cloth. Over this undercloth spread the tablecloth smoothly and evenly, the middle fold upward, exactly in the middle and lengthwise with the table.

Undercloth or table cloth Most restaurants now use a base cloth which covers the table. This is overlayed by a smaller table cloth called ‘overcloth’, ‘slip cloth’, or ‘napperons’. The overcloth is laid diagonally over the undercloth, and they are usually of contrasting colours. /[…]/ Using an undercloth has the following advantages. /[…]/ 3. The undercloth also performs the function of the baize cloth, which has been described earlier.

Over this would be laid two white cloths revealing the edge of the undercloth. Since the bread trenchers used in the early Middle Ages were absorbent, two white cloths were necessary to protect the undercloth; they also tended to serve as napkins, for fingers were used freely for eating.

Where very hot dishes are to be placed the table should have added to the usual protection of an undercloth the further protection of asbestos or basketwork mats.

Fire apparatus used for confining the smoke, and of an undercloth upon which the insects are made to fall

The rollers, A, and S, are both prevented from revolving freely by means of a break or check line, and the counter-weights, b, b, so that the fabric and undercloth are held in a state of moderate tension, as they are drawn forward over the printing-table, B.

The two undercloths should be exactly the size of the top of the altar, and quite plain. One of them may, as we have seen, be tacked on to the frontlet. It is an ancient custom that no other material but linen shall cover the top of the altar. All the linen cloths may be of diaper, and undercloths especially should be neither thin nor smooth.

First, the fabric is laid on a clean undercloth and sponged. The first, or acidic, stick is daubed on until no more stain appears on the undercloth.

Synonyms for undercloth

Antonyms for undercloth

Related Words

Word Forms

• undercloths

Usage Notes

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