A cloth or apron used in brewing or by a barmaid, possibly used to wipe down the bar or handle hot barm in ale-making.
From 'barm' (yeast) plus 'cloth' (a piece of fabric). This was likely a practical tool in breweries and taverns, used specifically in handling yeast and cleaning the brewing area.
Barmaids and brewers would have worn specific cloths as part of their uniform—the barmcloth was stained and used constantly, so it became a symbol of the job, like a chef's apron today.
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