Definition

1. 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?

Noun

1. a small tablecloth