Arras

/ˈærəs/ noun

Definition

A tapestry or wall hanging, especially a rich ornamental one used to decorate rooms or hang behind altars.

Etymology

From Arras, a city in northern France famous for producing tapestries in medieval times. The city's name became synonymous with the product itself.

Kelly Says

Famous in Shakespeare's Hamlet—Polonius hides behind an arras where Hamlet kills him—showing how these decorative hangings were part of royal chambers and dramatic moments in history.

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