chair rail

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noun

a molding on an interior wall for preventing the backs of chairs from rubbing against plaster.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

Origin of chair rail

First recorded in 1835–45

His head leaned to one side and found the chair rail, and he knew nothing more.
Northwest!|Harold Bindloss
Jardine nodded, and sitting down, waited until Jimmy's head slipped from the chair rail and the jerk woke him up.
Northwest!|Harold Bindloss
The central passage, paneled to chair rail height and plastered above, was as dark as night when all the doors were closed.
The Stronghold|Miriam Haynie
In another moment I was standing outside the hovel, my chair-rail in my hand, every muscle of me quivering.
The Island of Doctor Moreau|H. G. Wells

It was firmly believed that in her own home she hung by her heels on the oaken chair rail which ran around the room.
Stage-coach and Tavern Days|Alice Morse Earle