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

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 Idabelle McGlauflin

But we had nothing to fear with our magic passe-partout.

From An Account of Our Arresting Experiences by Conway Evans

Everything was done in a very expeditious and civil manner, not only for us, but for a few steerage passengers, and this, too, without the least necessity for a douceur, the usual passe-partout of England.

From Recollections of Europe by James Fenimore Cooper

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

From Majorie Daw by Thomas Bailey Aldrich

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 Margaret Ashmun

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

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