Antimacassar is a term that is not commonly used in modern times, but it has an interesting history and meaning. It is a word that has its roots in the Victorian era, and it refers to a type of cloth or covering that was used to protect furniture from hair oil or grease. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of antimacassar, its origin, synonyms, and antonyms, as well as its associations and usage in example sentences.
Definitions
Antimacassar is a noun that refers to a small cloth or piece of fabric placed on the back of a chair or sofa to protect it from dirt or grease. It is usually made of lace, linen, or cotton and is often decorated with embroidery or other embellishments. The word “antimacassar” comes from the French words “anti” meaning “against” and “macassar” which was a type of hair oil used by men in the 19th century.
Origin
As mentioned earlier, antimacassar originated from the Victorian era when men used hair oil or grease to style their hair. The word “macassar” refers to a type of hair oil that was popular at the time. The problem with using hair oil was that it would often stain the furniture, especially the backs of chairs and sofas. To prevent this, people began using small cloths or pieces of fabric to cover the backs of their furniture. These cloths were eventually named “antimacassars.”
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of antimacassar is consistent across different dictionaries. It is defined as a small cloth or piece of fabric placed on the back of a chair or sofa to protect it from dirt or grease.
Associations
Antimacassars are often associated with the Victorian era and the use of hair oil or grease. They are also associated with the idea of protecting furniture and keeping it clean. Antimacassars are sometimes seen as old-fashioned or outdated, but they still have a practical use in modern times.
Synonyms
There are a few synonyms for antimacassar, including chair cover, furniture protector, and backrest cover.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for antimacassar, but some words that are opposite in meaning include dirty, stained, or soiled.
The same root words
There are no other words with the same root as antimacassar.
Example Sentences
- My grandmother always had a lace antimacassar on the back of her favorite chair.
- The antique sofa was covered in a beautiful embroidered antimacassar.
- The hotel provided small antimacassars on the chairs in the lobby to keep them clean.
- The hair oil stained the back of the chair, but the antimacassar protected the rest of the furniture.
- The upholstery on the sofa was old and worn, but the antimacassar made it look more presentable.