French flat

American  

noun

British Theater.

1. a flat that can be raised to or hung from the flies, and that contains practicable doors, windows, etc.

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Etymology

Origin of French flat

An Americanism dating back to 1875–80

Example Sentences

“So, I resort to the great old elegant English and French flat lace-up shoe brands — Crockett & Jones and Paraboot.”

From New York Times • Apr. 12, 2022

The 28-year-old Boudot won the prestigious Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe race two years ago on Waldgeist and claimed his third French flat racing title last year.

From Seattle Times • May 15, 2021

Shortly after leaving us the previous fall, he had married a widow lady with two children, and was now keeping house in a French flat in the upper part of the city.

From Rudder Grange by Stockton, Frank Richard

He settled in Baltimore with his family in November, 1877, in four rooms arranged somewhat as a French flat, and a little later in a cottage, about which he writes enthusiastically to his friends.

From A Biography of Sidney Lanier by Mims, Edwin

Lanier   On his return to Baltimore he lived at 55 Lexington in four rooms arranged as a French flat.

From Literary Hearthstones of Dixie by Pickett, La Salle Corbell