See Also: napkin(dictionary)
napkin(dictionary)
napkin rash(medicine)
napkin ring(dictionary)

napkin (iou)



napkin noun. LME.
[Old & mod. French nap(p)e tablecloth from Latin mappa MAP noun1 (for the change of m to n cf. French natte from Latin matta mat): see -KIN.]
A usu. square piece of linen, paper, etc., used at a meal to wipe the fingers or lips and to protect garments, or to serve food on. Also table napkin. LME.
H. Belloc Gentlefolk who say 'napkin', side by side with those..of our modern world who say 'serviette'. Julian Gloag Oliver tucked his napkin under his chin and picked up his knife and fork.
a. A handkerchief. Now only Scot. & north. LME.
b. A kerchief, a neckerchief. Scot. L18.
A cloth, a small towel. L16.
= NAPPY noun3. M19.
A sanitary towel. Also sanitary napkin. Chiefly N. Amer. L19.
Comb.: napkin-ring a ring of silver, wood, etc., used to hold (and distinguish) a person's table napkin when not in use.
napkined adjective wrapped in or covered with a napkin; provided with or served on a napkin: M18.
napkining noun (now rare or obsolete) material for napkins M17.