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doyly

doyly

9.9
A small decorative cloth placed under a dish or bowl to protect the surface below
  • noun
  • /ˈdɔɪli/
  • Archaic
translation icon : mantelito
  • The antique shop had a selection of doylies hand-crocheted from delicate lace.

Examples

  • At the tea party, each table was set with a colorful doyly for added charm.

  • She placed the dessert on a beautiful doyly to protect the table from the heat.

  • Oh, my poor Doyly.

Synonyms

doily
vsdoyly
16 7.2

A small pretty mat made of lace or cloth placed under a plate to protect a table

is similar but described without specifying a round shape
doyley
vsdoyly
  • Archaic
9.9

A small cloth you put under a dish to protect a table and make it look nice

is specifically an ornamental mat often made of lace or linen

How Decorative

tablecloth
47 1.0
doyly
  • Archaic
9.9
placemat
12 1.6
trivet
1 7.9
coaster
84 1.0

Surface Forms

doyly singular
doylies plural

Etymology

Doyly probably comes from the name of a long-ago London cloth seller, written as Doiley, who sold 'small cloths' used on tables. So a doyly is a little decorative mat or napkin put under a dish.