arras

¹

[ar-uhs]

noun

1. a rich tapestry.

2. a tapestry weave.

3. a wall hanging, as a tapestry or similar object.

4. Theater.,  a curtain suspended loosely across a stage and used as a backdrop or part of a stage setting.

arras

²

[ahr-ahs, ahr-rahs]

noun

(used with a singular verb)

1. a gift presented at marriage by a husband to his wife in consideration of her dowry.

Arras

³

[ar-uhs, a-rahs]

noun

1. a city in and capital of Pas-de-Calais, in N France: battles in World War I.

Arras

¹

/ arɑs, ˈærəs /

noun

1. a town in N France: formerly famous for tapestry; severely damaged in both World Wars. Pop: 40 590 (1999)

arras

²

/ ˈærəs /

noun

1. a wall hanging, esp of tapestry

Other Word Forms

• arrased adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of arras¹

1375–1425; late Middle English, named after Arras

Origin of arras²

< Spanish: literally, earnest money. See earnest ²

Related Words

• drapery