counterpane

[ koun-ter-peyn ]

noun

, Older Use.

1. a quilt or coverlet for a bed; bedspread.

counterpane

/ ˈkaʊntəˌpeɪn /

noun

1. another word for bedspread

Other Words From

• counter·paned adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of counterpane¹

1425–75; counter- + pane (in obsolete sense bedspread); replacing late Middle English counterpoynte < Middle French contre-pointe quilt, alteration (by association with contre- counter- ) of cou ( s ) tepointe, coitepointe < Latin culcita puncta pricked pillow. See quilt, point

Word History and Origins

Origin of counterpane¹

C17: from obsolete counterpoint (influenced by pane coverlet), changed from Old French coutepointe quilt, from Medieval Latin culcita puncta quilted mattress

Example Sentences

She tore unconsciously at the counterpane, her fingers writhing against one another.

From Project Gutenberg

She twisted the fringe of the counterpane in her slender, white fingers, and she did not look at him.

From Project Gutenberg

And the mark of the bloody hand on the counterpane, where it is dragged?

From Project Gutenberg

When Heidi got into bed that night she found her old straw hat lying under the counterpane.

From Project Gutenberg

She spoke very languidly, and suffered Dixon to lay it on the counterpane before her, without putting out a hand to take it.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bedspread
• blanket
• comforter