counterpane
/ˈkaʊntəpeɪn
/noun dated
A bedspread.We talk in his room with its single bed, bumpily spread with a candlewick counterpane in a cosy shade of plum....
- The replica beds with their counterpanes, striped canopy wall direction and curtains together with the warm glow from the twin overbed lamps provide an interior of great style.
- The roomy double bedroom suites were originally plainly decorated, their walls covered with sea grass, the beds under light-colored candlewick counterpanes, and pale Wilton wall-to-wall carpeting.
Origin
Early 17th century: alteration of counterpoint, from Old French contrepointe, based on medieval Latin culcitra puncta 'quilted mattress' (puncta, literally meaning 'pricked', from the verb pungere). The change in the ending was due to association with pane in an obsolete sense 'cloth'.
This is an alteration of counterpoint, from Old French contrepointe, based on medieval Latin culcitra puncta ‘quilted mattress’ (puncta, literally meaning ‘pricked’). The change in the ending was due to association with the word pane in an obsolete sense ‘cloth’.