passe-partout

American  

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

noun

passe-partouts plural

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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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• passe-partouts
  plural

Etymology

Origin of passe-partout

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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

passe-partout passe-partouts

I framed my copy as tastefully as I could, in a simple but harmonious passe-partout, and sent it to Miss Mehitable, with Fanny's love.

From The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 18, No. 109, November, 1866 by Various

Materials: Cardboard; book-cloth or Japanese tissue paper; 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

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

There is an exquisite ivory-type of Marjorie, in passe-partout, on the drawing room mantel-piece.

From Majorie Daw by Aldrich, Thomas Bailey

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

He has a shop of his own in the upper part where he makes passe-partouts.

From Modern Prose And Poetry; For Secondary Schools Edited With Notes, Study Helps, And Reading Lists by Ashmun, Margaret

It was the passe-partouts that brought me and Tedder together.

From The 'Mind the Paint' Girl A Comedy in Four Acts by Pinero, Arthur Wing, Sir