baize

[ beyz ]

noun

1. a soft, usually green, woolen or cotton fabric resembling felt, used chiefly for the tops of billiard tables.
2. an article of this fabric or of a fabric resembling it.

verb (used with object)

, baized, baiz·ing.

1. to line or cover with baize.

baize

/ beɪz /

noun

1. a woollen fabric resembling felt, usually green, used mainly for the tops of billiard tables

verb

1. tr to line or cover with such fabric

Word History and Origins

Origin of baize¹

1570–80; earlier bayes < French baies (noun), Old French ( estoffes fabrics) baies, feminine plural of bai (adj.) bay ⁵

Word History and Origins

Origin of baize¹

C16: from Old French baies , plural of baie baize, from bai reddish brown, bay ⁵, perhaps the original colour of the fabric

Example Sentences

Back when there were fewer UK television channels than non-red balls on a snooker table, Steve Davis was king of the green baize.

From BBC

But away from the green baize he has hit the headlines for his unorthodox preparation, with just 15 minutes of practice under his belt and then getting "drunk as hell" midway through the tournament.

From BBC

"They would have the whole conversation, then he would go home and type it all up. Then they would meet at Broadcasting House across a green baize table and read the script to each other."

From BBC

He stopped showing on catwalks in 2014, but unlike many who have rolled the dice on the baize of London Fashion Week, Mr. Rocha came out of the game independent and successful.

From New York Times

“A gloomy wood,” according to the one playbill, was represented by a few shrubs in pots, green baize on the floor, and a cave in the distance.

From Literature