French flat

American  

noun

British Theater.

1. a flat that can be raised to or hung from the flies, and that contains practicable doors, windows, etc.

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Etymology

Origin of French flat

An Americanism dating back to 1875–80

Example Sentences

“So, I resort to the great old elegant English and French flat lace-up shoe brands — Crockett & Jones and Paraboot.”

From New York Times • Apr. 12, 2022

The 28-year-old Boudot won the prestigious Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe race two years ago on Waldgeist and claimed his third French flat racing title last year.

From Seattle Times • May 15, 2021

December 3 he writes from the little French flat, announcing that he "has plunged in and brought forth captive a long Christmas poem for Every Saturday," a Baltimore weekly publication.

From Literary Hearthstones of Dixie by Pickett, La Salle Corbell

He settled in Baltimore with his family in November, 1877, in four rooms arranged somewhat as a French flat, and a little later in a cottage, about which he writes enthusiastically to his friends.

From A Biography of Sidney Lanier by Mims, Edwin

Shortly after leaving us the previous fall, he had married a widow lady with two children, and was now keeping house in a French flat in the upper part of the city.

From Rudder Grange by Stockton, Frank Richard