counterpane

[koun-ter-peyn]

noun

Older Use.

1. a quilt or coverlet for a bed; bedspread.

counterpane

/ ˈkaʊntəˌpeɪn /

noun

1. another word for bedspread

Other Word Forms

• counterpaned adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of counterpane¹

1425–75; counter- + pane (in obsolete sense bedspread); replacing late Middle English counterpoynte < Middle French contre-pointe quilt, alteration (by association with contre- counter- ) of cou ( s ) tepointe, coitepointe < Latin culcita puncta pricked pillow. See quilt, point

Word History and Origins

Origin of counterpane¹

C17: from obsolete counterpoint (influenced by pane coverlet), changed from Old French coutepointe quilt, from Medieval Latin culcita puncta quilted mattress

Example Sentences

Lucy was sleeping gently, but her breathing was stronger; I could see the counterpane move as her breast heaved.

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Out of these deep surrounding shades rose high, and glared white, the piled-up mattresses and pillows of the bed, spread with a snowy Marseilles counterpane.

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His eyes were bloodshot and his hands clutched the counterpane.

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Under the chintz counterpane the sheets would be starchily pure.

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He had carefully turned back the counterpane, which was white as snow.

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Related Words

• bedspread 
• blanket 
• comforter