tapis

[ tap-ee, tap-is, ta-pee ]

noun

, plural tap·is.

1. Obsolete. a carpet, tapestry, or other covering.

tapis

/ ˈtæpɪ; tapi; ˈtæpiː /

noun

1. tapestry or carpeting, esp as formerly used to cover a table in a council chamber

Word History and Origins

Origin of tapis¹

1485–95; < Middle French; Old French tapiz ≪ Greek tapḗtion little carpet, equivalent to tapēt- (stem of tápēs ) carpet + -ion diminutive suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of tapis¹

C17: from French, from Old French tapiz, from Greek tapētion rug, from tapēs carpet

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. on the tapis, under consideration or discussion:

   A new housing development for that area is on the tapis.

Example Sentences

“I hear that a new order of Knighthood is on the tapis,” the letter reads.

From The Daily Beast

She was therefore prepared to sustain her part in the drama Routemberg was bringing on the tapis.

From Project Gutenberg

Viollet-le-Duc says that the “Saracinois” was a term applied to the makers of velvety carpets (tapis veloutés).

From Project Gutenberg

With Mrs. Van Varick on the tapis, Tommie is safe from designing ladies who might marry him for his money.

From Project Gutenberg

There is sure to be some large picnic, some delightful gathering on the "tapis," when they choose to exhibit their griefs.

From Project Gutenberg

And then, at last, that future day was absolutely brought on the tapis as though now to be named.

From Project Gutenberg