chair rail

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of chair rail¹

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

His head leaned to one side and found the chair rail, and he knew nothing more.

From Project Gutenberg

Jardine nodded, and sitting down, waited until Jimmy's head slipped from the chair rail and the jerk woke him up.

From Project Gutenberg

The central passage, paneled to chair rail height and plastered above, was as dark as night when all the doors were closed.

From Project Gutenberg

In another moment I was standing outside the hovel, my chair-rail in my hand, every muscle of me quivering.

From Project Gutenberg

It was firmly believed that in her own home she hung by her heels on the oaken chair rail which ran around the room.

From Project Gutenberg