napery

[ ney-puh-ree ]

noun

1. table linen, as tablecloths or napkins.
2. any linen for household use.

napery

/ ˈneɪpərɪ /

noun

1. rare.
   household linen, esp table linen

Word History and Origins

Origin of napery¹

1350–1400; Middle English naprye < Middle French, equivalent to nape, variant of nappe tablecloth ( napkin ) + -erie -ery

Word History and Origins

Origin of napery¹

C14: from Old French naperie, from nape tablecloth, from Latin mappa. See napkin

Example Sentences

Servers, dressed of their own choosing but almost uniformly in black, moved swiftly, surely, with one hand held behind their backs; fresh cutlery materialized resting atop snowy napery on a little silver tray.

From Seattle Times

There’s white napery on the tables, but the kitchen produces a home-style veal Parm for takeout.

From New York Times

The napery has an authentic, historical charm that’s right on trend.

From Washington Times

The décor, including many of the chef’s paintings, is a contemporary take on midcentury modern, with white napery adding a gracious touch.

From New York Times

His New York debut, named for his grandmother, is in a somewhat unfinished industrial space with subdued lighting and tables draped in white napery.

From New York Times

Related Words

• bedding
• cloth
• lingerie