passe-partout

[ pas-pahr-too; French pahs-par-too ]

noun

, plural passe-par·touts [pas-pahr-, tooz, pahs-p, a, r, -, too].

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.

passe-partout

/ ˌpæspɑːˈtuː; pɑspartu /

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of passe-partout¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of passe-partout¹

C17: from French, literally: pass everywhere

Example Sentences

This can be done still easier by using strips of passe-partout binding, or strips used for binding lantern slides.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

The manner was then to repeat the engraved borders of titles, the passe-partout, in the centre of which the text was printed.

From Project Gutenberg

So if it wasn't a passe-partout, it was non-suited, quoad existence.

From Project Gutenberg