undercloths

Noun

undercloth (countable and uncountable, plural undercloths)

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.
   • 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...1916, Sister Loretto Basil Duff, A Course in Household Arts: Part I, page 27
2. (broadly) 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 fall1825, Memoirs of the Caledonian Horticultural Society - Volume 3, page 432
3. 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.2009, Kate Mosse, Labyrinth
4. 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 Curteynes1880 February, James Hall, “A Chesshire Lady's Inventory in 1611”, in John Parsons Earwaker, editor, Local Gleanings: An Archaeological and Historical Magazine, number 8, page 297
5. 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.1931, Institution of Mining and Metallurgy (Great Britain), Bulletin - Issues 316-327, page 2
6. 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.1989, William Reed, Shodo: The Art of Coordinating Mind, Body and Brush, page 192

See all 12 meanings of undercloth