doily n : a small round piece of linen place under a dish or bowl [syn: doyley, doyly]

English

Alternative spellings

• doyley

Etymology

From Doiley, the name of a 17th-century London draper.

Noun

1. A small ornamental piece of lace or linen or paper used to protect a surface from scratches by hard objects such as vases or bowls; or to decorate a plate of food.

A doily (or doilie) is a small ornamental mat usually made of cotton or linen placed underneath a dish or bowl. Openwork allows the table surface to show through. In addition to their decorative function, doilies have the utilitarian role of protecting fine-wood furniture from the scratches caused by crockery.

In more recent times, paper doilies have become common, and are often used to decorate a plate of food, underlying the food for ornamentation.

Originally the name of a fabric, from Doiley, a 17th century London draper.

Doilies are also used as head coverings in zealous Baptist churches.

See also

• Antimacassar
• Lace