Monday Word: Counterpane
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1word1daycounterpane [koun-ter-peyn]
noun
a quilt or coverlet for a bed; bedspread
examples
1. The heavy cotton impervious counterpane is bad, for the very reason that it keeps in the emanations from the sick person, while the blanket allows them to pass through. Notes on Nursing: What It Is, and What It Is Not 1860
2. A thin counterpane of blue check gave a rather pleasing finish. Prisons and Prisoners: Some Personal Experiences 1914
origins
1425–75; counter- + pane (in obsolete sense bedspread); replacing late Middle English counterpoynte < Middle French contre-pointe quilt, alteration (by association with contre- counter- ) of cou ( s ) tepointe, coitepointe < Latin culcita puncta pricked pillow.
noun
a quilt or coverlet for a bed; bedspread
examples
1. The heavy cotton impervious counterpane is bad, for the very reason that it keeps in the emanations from the sick person, while the blanket allows them to pass through. Notes on Nursing: What It Is, and What It Is Not 1860
2. A thin counterpane of blue check gave a rather pleasing finish. Prisons and Prisoners: Some Personal Experiences 1914
origins
1425–75; counter- + pane (in obsolete sense bedspread); replacing late Middle English counterpoynte < Middle French contre-pointe quilt, alteration (by association with contre- counter- ) of cou ( s ) tepointe, coitepointe < Latin culcita puncta pricked pillow.
