passe-partout

American  

[pas-pahr-too, pahs-par-too] / ˌpæs pɑrˈtu, pɑs parˈtu /

noun

plural

passe-partouts

1. something that passes everywhere or provides a universal means of passage.

2. a master key; skeleton key.

3. an ornamental mat for a picture.

4. a method of framing in which a piece of glass is placed over a picture and is affixed to a backing by means of adhesive strips of paper or other material pasted over the edges.

5. paper prepared for this purpose.

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passe-partout British  

/ pɑspartu, ˌpæspɑːˈtuː /

noun

1. a mounting for a picture in which strips of strong gummed paper are used to bind together the glass, picture, and backing

2. the gummed paper used for this

3. a mat, often decorated, on which a picture is mounted

4. something that secures entry everywhere, esp a master key

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Etymology

Origin of passe-partout

First recorded in 1635–45; from French: literally, “(it) passes everywhere”

Example Sentences

Finally when only one is left, award a prize, a little water color, painted by the hostess, and framed passe-partout, to the "unabridged dictionary" as the winner might be called.

From Suppers Novel Suggestions for Social Occasions by Pierce, Paul

Book-cloth or any firm material can be used instead of the passe-partout paper.

From Handicraft for Girls A Tentative Course in Needlework, Basketry, Designing, Paper and Cardboard Construction, Textile Fibers and Fabrics and Home Decoration and Care by McGlauflin, Idabelle

Put another clean glass on top of this and bind the three together with passe-partout binding or gummed strips of ordinary paper, as one would a lantern slide, and cover the glass edges.

From The Boy Mechanic: Volume 1 700 Things for Boys to Do by Popular Mechanics Co.

Descend by the small staircase; the inclosed is a passe-partout to open the gate, outside which Pedro will wait you with your horses, and guide you on your way, till you no longer require him.

From Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Volume 60, No. 372, October 1846 by Various

It is set in an oval passe-partout, and requires only a glass over it to fit it for placing on a wall.

From Punchinello, Volume 2, No. 27, October 1, 1870 by Various