undercloth
Etymology
From under- + cloth.
undercloth means 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. Lexicurio rates it Sui generis — a strength score of 98 out of 100.
noun
- 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.“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.”
- A protective cloth that goes underneath something.“Fire apparatus used for confining the smoke, and of an undercloth upon which the insects are made to fall”
- A cloth that is placed beneath a saddle.“Amiel checked the mare's hooves and shoes, to be sure she was fit to ride, then lifted down an undercloth and, at Alaïs' request, a riding rather than hunting saddle, then a bridle.”
- A cloth on which a body rests as bedding.“It. a Joyned beddsteed, a fether beed, a Matteres, an undercloth, ij bolsters, ij pillowes, a coverlett and ij olde Curteynes”
- The lower of two cloths that together perform some function.“New canvas is used first as undercloths, and these as required are made to replace discarded overcloths.”
- A cloth that is used as a base surface for some type of work, including cases where it is incorporated into the work.“Felt undercloth is available which is ruled and sectioned, to help you keep your characters in straight columns.”