Definition
A fabric coated with oil or synthetic materials to make it waterproof and easy to clean, traditionally used for tablecloths, aprons, and other practical household items. Modern oilcloth is typically made from cotton or linen with a plastic or vinyl coating.
Example Usage
Grandmother spread an oilcloth across the picnic table to protect it from spills and rain.
Origin
A compound of 'oil' (from Latin oleum) and 'cloth' (from Old English clāð), dating back to at least the 18th century when oil-treated fabrics became common household materials.
Fun Fact
Oilcloth experienced a major revival in the early 21st century as a retro-chic material among designers and crafters, with vintage patterns from the 1940s-1960s becoming highly collectible.
Related Terms
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