Antimacassar

Not to be confused with Pante Macassar.
Design of a cloth antimacassar
Armchair with antimacassar-Sheffield Mayors Parlour
Antimacassars on rail carriage seats

An antimacassar /ˌæntɪməˈkæsər/ is a small cloth placed over the backs or arms of chairs, or the head or cushions of a sofa, to prevent soiling of the permanent fabric underneath.[1] The name also refers to the cloth flap 'collar' on a sailor's shirt or top, used to keep macassar oil off the uniform.

  1. ^ Fleming, John & Hugh Honour. (1977) The Penguin Dictionary of Decorative Arts. London: Allen Lane, p. 26. ISBN 0713909412