Antimacassars

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Covers intended to be draped over furniture to protect it from hair oil and dirt serve both utilitarian and decorative functions
2. Fabric or textile items designed to shield upholstery from wear while adding visual appeal to seating arrangements
3. Pieces of fabric placed on the backs or arms of chairs and sofas to prevent stains from hair oils or dirt

Etymology: Antimacassars are the plural of "antimacassar," a word built from "anti-" plus "macassar," the name of the hair oil that gave the item its purpose. Macassar oil was a popular pomade used to make hair glossy, and the oil left greasy stains on the backs and arms of chairs and sofas wherever people rested their heads. The solution was a protective cover placed over the furniture. These covers were made in many styles, often of crocheted lace, embroidered cloth or fabric with decorative patterns, so the protection doubled as ornament. The word therefore names something defined by its job: stopping the oil from marking the fabric beneath, with "anti-" meaning "against" the stain.