Definition

Noun: A piece of ornamented cloth, often made of lace or crochet, placed over the back or arms of a chair or sofa to protect the upholstery from stains, particularly from hair oils or macassar oil.

Usage

The word "antimacassar" is a historical term. It is used to describe a specific, functional decorative item found in homes, especially during the Victorian era. It is a count noun (e.g., an antimacassar, several antimacassars).

Examples

• The delicate lace antimacassars on the armchairs were handmade by my grandmother.
• To preserve the silk upholstery, they placed embroidered antimacassars on all the parlor chairs.
• The museum's period room featured a sofa with a white crochet antimacassar draped over its back.

Advanced Usage

• Historical Context: The term originates from the 19th century as a direct response to the popularity of Macassar oil, a fashionable hair product for men that often soiled furniture. The prefix "anti-" literally means "against" Macassar oil.
• Collectible/Decorative Item: While still functional, antimacassars are now primarily considered decorative antiques or vintage items, used to evoke a particular historical aesthetic.

Variants and Related Words

• Doily (noun): A small ornamental mat, often made of paper or lace, placed under a dish or ornament. While similar, a doily is not specifically designed for furniture protection.
• Chair cover (noun): A more general, modern term for any cover placed on a chair.

Synonyms

• Tidy (noun, chiefly British): A less common synonym for an antimacassar.
• Chair protector (noun, descriptive phrase): A functional, non-historical description.

Antonyms

There is no direct antonym, but the stain or soiling it is designed to prevent is its conceptual opposite.

Related Phrases/Idioms

There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs using "antimacassar." Its usage is confined to the description of the object itself and its historical context.

Noun

1. a piece of ornamented cloth that protects the back of a chair from hair oils