tea cloth

== English == === Alternative forms === teacloth === Etymology === From tea +‎ cloth; originally designating a cloth for wiping tea service items after washing, later a small tablecloth useful for afternoon tea. Attested from the late 18th century. Compare later tea towel. === Noun === tea cloth (plural tea cloths) A tea towel. A small tablecloth. === References === tea, n.1 in James A. H. Murray et al., editors (1884–1928), “Tea cloth”, in A New English Dictionary on Historical Principles (Oxford English Dictionary), London: Clarendon Press, →OCLC. === Anagrams === locateth