TABLE CLOTH, TABLE LINEN
NOUNS
► BOARD-CLOTH a tablecloth → 1911 Sc. (Bk.)
► CARPET a tablecloth; a thick fabric, commonly of wool, used to cover tables, beds, etc. → 1345 obs.
► COUCH a cloth spread upon a table for a meal → 1460 obs.
► NAPE a tablecloth → c1450 obs.
► NAPERY table linen → c1380
► NAPET a tablecloth; a napkin → c1440 obs.
► SARFIT a tablecloth → 1904 Eng. dial. obs. (Bk.)
NOUNS – PERSON
► NAPERER the person having charge of the royal table linen → 1494 obs.
► NAPIER the person having charge of the royal table linen → 1880
PHRASES
► GIVE IT AN IRISH WASH to turn the table-cloth or a garment, etc. around so the dust or dirt doesn’t show → 1966 Amer. dial.
Lexicophilia 