arras

¹ American  

[ar-uhs] / ˈær əs /

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.

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arras ² American  

[ahr-ahs, ahr-rahs] / ˈɑr ɑs, ˈɑr rɑs /

noun

(used with a singular verb)

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

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Arras ³ American  

[ar-uhs, a-rahs] / ˈær əs, aˈrɑs /

noun

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

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Arras ¹ British  

/ arɑs, ˈærəs /

noun

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

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arras ² British  

/ ˈærəs /

noun

1. a wall hanging, esp of tapestry

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Other Word Forms

• arrased adjective

Etymology

Origin of arras¹

1375–1425; late Middle English, named after Arras

Origin of arras²

< Spanish: literally, earnest money. See earnest ²

Example Sentences

Staged moments — characters eavesdropping like Polonius behind his arras, lovers exchanging vows — baldly recall the genre’s cliches.

From Washington Post • Aug. 10, 2015

But I don't like it when they jump up and down behind the arras like Polonius in Hamlet, trying to distract my attention from the poor old actors.

From The Guardian • Jul. 4, 2012

It is only possible to do the job properly from behind the arras.

From The Guardian • Oct. 9, 2010

Their keynoter was Archbishop Edward Mooney of Detroit, board chairman of the N.C.W.C.�a prelate who is seldom seen in public but who, behind the arras, is one of the most influential hierarchs in the U.S.

From Time Magazine Archive

Among the dead were mullets, snook, moj arras, gambusia.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson

Related Words

• drapery