tea cloth
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A small tablecloth: A tea cloth is a small piece of fabric, often decorative, used to cover a table, typically a tea table or a small side table.
Usage
- A tea cloth is specifically designed for use on smaller tables, often during tea service or to protect a surface while adding decoration.
- It is generally smaller than a standard dining tablecloth.
Examples
- Noun:
- She spread a lace tea cloth on the table before serving the cakes.
- The antique tea cloth was embroidered with delicate flowers.
Advanced Usage
- Historical/Formal Context: In traditional settings, a tea cloth might be used specifically for afternoon tea to protect the table and add an element of formality.
- The butler laid out the silver service on a crisp linen tea cloth.
Variants and Related Words
- Tea towel (n): A cloth used for drying dishes. (Note: This is a different item from a tea cloth, which is a table covering.)
- Tablecloth (n): A larger cloth for covering a dining table.
- Doily (n): A small ornamental mat, often placed under a cake stand or teapot on a tea cloth.
Synonyms
- Small tablecloth: The direct synonym.
- Tea tablecloth: A less common variant specifying the table type.
Antonyms
- Bare table: A table with no covering.
Related Phrases
- To lay the tea cloth: To spread or place the tea cloth on the table.
- Would you please lay the tea cloth for our guests?